Archived Blog Posts

Kernersville Water Damage Restoration and Cleanup?

Name: SERVPRO of Kernersville
Address: 2902 Manufacturer Drive, Greensboro, NC, 27406
Telephone: (336) 748-0250

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

A gloved woman holds a hot cup of coffee

You know what they say: "The best way to spread Water Damage Season Cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

It’s that time of year again: water damage season. We’ve all heard the saying’s--water damage season’s greetings!, ‘tis the water damage season!, and others--but why is wintertime water damage season? Three reasons:

Water freezes in pipes, and those pipes can burst. Turn them off before wintertime.
Ice and Snow on your roof can weigh down on the structure, and potentially cause it to collapse at worse, and just get damaged at best. Then, it melts! Secure your roof and inspect it for issues before it snows!
Ice/Snowstorms in general can cause water damage. After all--it is water pouring down on you!

As you can see, winter has definitely earned its totally legitimate title, “Water Damage Season,” but what can you do if you fall prey to Jack Frost and his merrymen?

Call SERVPRO of Kernersville at (650) 870-2883. We specialise in cleanup and restoration for all your water damage.

Restaurant Cleanup and Restoration?

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Look at these two blokes! Salt of the earth, I tell ya.

Restaurant Owners are the backbone of this great nation. I’m not just saying that to bribe Restaurant Owners into hiring SERVPRO of Kernersville--I’m also saying it in hopes of being given free food by our local pizza joint. (Get in touch, Alessandro!)

Anyhow, the passion American Restaurateurs have for feeding the masses unique, satiating gustatory pleasures is unmatched in all the land, and North Carolinian Restaurateurs are some of the best. Unfortunately, restaurants are quite vulnerable to disasters due to the large amounts of customers coming in and out, copious amounts of water and fire used every hour, and multiple personnel moving about. Fires, floods, mold, vandalism, and even COVID can derail your business fast.

If you own a restaurant and want to ensure your life’s work will be safe in the case of a disaster, calamity, or even just your rudimentary mishap, you want to get in touch with SERVPRO.

We specialize in fire, water, storm, and biohazard damage cleanup and restoration, and our franchise professionals are quick to the job site to provide an assessment and get to work getting your property back to as close to preloss conditions as possible!

So if you’re a Restaurateur and find yourself in a bind, give SERVPRO a call and we can make it "Like it never even happened."®

What to do After Repairing a Plumbing Mishap

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

A burning house is surrounded by fire fighters training

Good grief! That's one heckuvah Plumbing Mishap!

Plumbing Mishap? Maybe you were out of town, at work, or out getting a bite to eat, but when you got home, you saw the toilet, washing machine, or dishwasher had overflowed and leaked all over the house.

You did the right thing, and you called a plumber, and he came and fixed the leak. However, you may be wondering what to do with all the standing water.

That’s where we come in!

SERVPRO of Kernersville specialises in water cleanup and restoration, whether you have damaged floors, carpets, furniture, or even documents.

If you’ve just fallen prey to a water-based disaster, and the plumbing conundrum has been solved, and you need someone to come handle the cleanup and restoration, give us a call at (650) 870-2883 and we can come help you get back to as close to preloss conditions as possible.

SERVPRO is Consistent and Reliable

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

A woman wearing a vest that says "be consistent"

Be consistent! Be reliable! Be SERVPRO!

Disasters are, by nature, unpredictable, and they tend to catch us off-guard. When your home or business is struck by catastrophic flooding, fire, biowaste, or storm damage, you need someone you can call who you know will deliver a quality cleanup and restoration job quickly and efficiently. SERVPRO of Kernersville is that someone!

We handle all sorts of damage, from basic stain removal and air duct cleaning to restoring upholstery and drapes after smoke and soot damage. We even handle COVID cleaning if you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus in your home or business.

So if you find yourself in a mess, and your home or business needs some consistent and reliable cleaning and/or restoration, remember that SERVPRO of Kernersville is available 24/7, and we can make it "Like it never even happened."®

Warehouse Cleanup and Restoration?

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

A warehouse filled with boxes that are being stored

This place ships Shape-Ups. Remember those corny shoes meant to help you get toned, but only twisted your ankles? This is where the magic happens.

Warehouses are crucial for businesses with extra inventory, or companies with national or international shipments, but holding massive amounts of inventory and product in one area does open you up to liability. If your warehouse floods, a section catches on fire, or mold spreads throughout, you’ll need to act fast to salvage your goods and products from damage.

That’s where we come in.

SERVPRO of Kernersville is available 24/7 and replete with franchise professionals trained in state-of-the-art facilities to clean and restore items both sturdy and delicate, and knock the job out quickly, so you can get back to work making sales and keeping your customers happy and satisfied.

We not only work quickly, we work with a high standard of quality. Cleaning and restoring your warehouse and damaging all your products in the process doesn’t do either of us any good!

So when you need cleaning and restoration after your warehouse floods, is hit by a storm, experiences a mold breakout, or a fire, call SERVPRO of Kernersville and we can make it "Like it never even happened."®

New Seasons, New Storms

11/7/2021 (Permalink)

This looks colder than the in-laws, amirite, folks??

As the warmer months draw to a close, and the sweatshirts and firewood come out, your risk for certain storms--hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, rain--declines dramatically. However, your risk for colder storms--blizzards, sleet, freezing rain, snow--increases precipitously. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, right?

But you don’t have to constantly be worrying your way into ground-up teeth and a stomach that’s just one big ulcer: you do have agency, and you can take steps to prevent disaster from striking you and your family as intensely as it inevitably will someday if you don’t do anything to prevent it.

So don’t waste any time! Ensure that your doors and windows are properly insulated, verify that your gutters are clean and every shingle is secured in place on your roof, and remember to salt your sidewalks the night before if there’s some frigid weather headed your way.

Lastly, if your home is eventually damaged by a winter storm, don’t forget to call SERVPRO of Kernersville at (650) 870-2883. We’ll help you repair the home, and indirectly save you a dentist and/or gastroenterologist visit!

Kernersville SERVPRO Reviews?

11/7/2021 (Permalink)

The Facebook and Google Review for SERVPRO of Kernersville

I have this framed in my trophy room, right beside my "Best Captions at SERVPRO, 2021" plaque.

If you’re looking for a Cleaning and Restoration Service, you might be hoping to find the company near you with the most satisfied customers. One of the easiest ways to separate the wheat from the chaff is to check the online reviews for the business. SERVPRO of Kernersville currently sports a fancy near-five-star review average when collecting reviews from Facebook and Google, which you can independently verify for yourself here: facebook.com/SERVPROofKernersville/reviews/ and here: g.page/r/CaBS0HywA6VvEAI/review.

You can also check the featured photo in this blogpost up above.

After perusing through those reviews, you’re probably wanting to hire SERVPRO of Kernersville! Well, you’re in luck--we’re taking new customers. Give us a call at (650) 870-2883 and we can get started fixing, cleaning, and restoring your home or business, and make it "Like it never even happened."®

What is Kernersville’s Flood Risk?

11/6/2021 (Permalink)

A flood map of Kernersville with a map key

There it is--the most important map you'll see for the next fifteen minutes. Just take it all in.

If you live in Kernersville, it may be a wise decision to learn what your risk from flooding is. One way to easily find that out is to go to FEMA’s website and search for yourself! FEMA has a Flood Map Service Center (you can visit it here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home), where you can search by address, city, county, or state, and zoom in to see where flooding near you can occur. The organization also has other resources for preventing and managing flooding in your region, which can be found here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/advanceSearch.

Remember: preparation can save you loads of time and money down the road when disaster strikes--and it will! It’s up to you deciding to take the steps required to prepare for the worst in order to prevent the worst from actually happening.

How does Community Resilience Play a Role in Storm Hazard Damage?

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

A map of FEMA's Community Resilience score

Can you find yourself on the map? Do you feel better or worse? Keep in mind that Community is one of the few factors YOU can change!

We all know some regions of our great nation are more prone to certain natural disasters than others. If you live in New Orleans, you probably won’t get caught in an avalanche. New Yorkers probably won’t ever see a tornado pass thru. Santa Fe will probably never get hit by a blizzard. But climate, biome, and altitude aren’t the only factors when it comes to damage and loss from natural disasters. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) uses a score called “Community Resilience” to gauge your community’s ability to respond to Natural Disasters and Hazards when they inevitably happen. If you’d like to find out how your region fares on the score, check the map at the top of this post, and if you’d like to learn more, follow the link below:

https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/community-resilience

If you find yourself in a bind, and your home or business is damaged, keep in mind that SERVPRO of Kernersville is a part of your community, and we are there for you to help clean up and restore the damage you experienced. Call us at (650) 870-2883 and we can work on picking up the pieces, together!

What is my Ice Storm Risk?

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Red is bad, blue is good, grey is a mystery! What a beautiful rainbow of destruction.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, puts together National Maps of risks for damage from various national disasters each year called the “National Risk Index,” and it has one specifically for Ice Storm Damage. If you are wondering whether or not you’re in danger from some ice storm damage in the coming season, check out the map and see what you can learn.

The map is found here: https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/ice-storm

After you’ve learned about your risk at your home, it’s time to take precautions. Remember to clean up brush from the trees around your house, salt your driveway and sidewalk, and turn off your pipes leading outside the house.

If all else fails, and you still get walloped by an Ice Storm, be sure to call SERVPRO of Kernersville at (336) 748-0250 and we can come help you thaw things out and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Tips for Winter Storms (With and Without Power!)

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

If you can see your breath indoors, this likely applies to you.

To-Do Checklist (If Power is still On)

1) If you still have electricity in your home, try to keep your thermostat as high as possible for as long as you can. If you no longer have power in your house try to find a gas-powered heater. (Tip: Buy a heater ahead of time to save time and money during the crisis.

2) Unless there is an emergency, stay inside.

3) Turn all your faucets to a slow drip to help prevent your pipes from freezing.

4) Wear dry or waterproof clothes; remember to wear layers to preserve body heat.

5) Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. Experts suggest that, in emergencies, you should drink two quarts (half a gallon) of water a day – more if you're in a hot climate, sick, pregnant, or a child.

To-Do Checklist (If the Power Goes Out)

1) Use a gas generator to power "essential devices," like the refrigerator and heaters.

2) Unplug computers, TVs, and other non-essential electrical equipment to avoid a power surge.

3) To keep food from spoiling, do not open the freezer or fridge unless necessary, and be brief!

4) Move frozen food and things that could go bad quickly to the garage to stay frozen if the power is out for a long time.

5) Use flashlights to avoid the risk of a fire. Candles may look cooler, but they’re actually hotter!

6) Do not use cooking devices that may emit carbon monoxide or other fumes.

7) Dress in layers and use blankets and towels to help keep warm.

8) If you have a weather radio, periodically listen to weather reports for your area.

24 Hour Emergency Restoration Service?

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Count em up. Every number on that clock is covered by us.

Here at SERVPRO of Kernersville, we know life doesn’t always stick to a diurnal schedule. Sometimes, when you’re all ready for bed with your chamomile tea and Ebenezer Scrooge pajamas, a pipe bursts or a storm hits. We both know that you don’t have time to wait until morning to handle this disaster. Call SERVPRO of Kernersville at (336) 748-0250 and we can be at your home within four hours to begin the cleanup and restoration process.

Our franchise professionals are sharp, dedicated, and continuously trained in proven techniques to restore your home to as close as can be to preloss conditions, no matter the time of day.

Depending on the size of the job, we can have you nearly back to normal within 24-48 hours, so your disaster goes from the worst nightcap imaginable to "Like it never even happened."®

Not Every Cleaning Job Needs the Kitchen Sink Thrown at It!

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

You can probably handle light vacuuming, but call us for the bigger jobs!

If you’ve got carpet care needs, you’re likely perusing your options online as far as Carpet Cleaning Companies in Kernersville goes, and you’re comparing and contrasting all the benefits and advantages of each.

While other companies may try to wow you with big fancy equipment, that may not be necessary, depending on how bad your stains are and how long your carpets have been stained! SERVPRO of Kernersville specializes in ensuring you’re getting the best cleaning machines and methods, depending on how intense the cleanup job is.

If it’s just a small job, we can just lightly spray it with some cleaner and extract the dirt from the carpet.

If it’s a bigger stain, we might need to bring in the bigger guns to get some hot water on the carpet while we clean.

If the stains are even larger or older, we will have to use a soil emulsifier to pre-treat the carpet and use a shampoo on the stain to extract the mess. This is the most thorough cleaning method in the industry.

So when you need your carpets cleaned, don’t fall for the trap of hiring a company that’s trying to wow you with the biggest and best machines with an upcharge and hire SERVPRO of Kernersville to bring the methods, cleaners, and machines that meet the task at hand. If you need the big guns called in, don’t worry—we can handle that too.

T-30 Days until Average First Frost in Guilford County

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Just add more water to it and see if you can get it to melt.

You may be looking outside at the sweltering heat, the brutal sun bearing down on the great outdoors with a fury, and believing it will never be cold again. However, we are fairly confident that’s not the case. In fact, the average first frost in Guilford County hits us in just about a month. October 28th is usually when the frost hits our lovely county, with a standard deviation of ten days, meaning it could be even sooner! (or later)

What does that mean for you? Well, if you’re a farmer, time is ticking on when you can still plant and harvest. But if you were a farmer, you’d already know that. What it really means is we are rapidly approaching the time where pipes can freeze and rupture, soaking your home or business in a dastardly deluge that will leave you thinking the worst: “Will I ever repair this water damage? How do you fix water damage?”

Never fear, future customer—SERVPRO of Greensboro North is here to help! The first thing you should do is call us at (336) 379-1772 and give us the bad news. Don’t worry—we can handle it! Then, make sure whatever pipe is spewing water all over your priceless heirlooms is turned off. Lastly, get to work pulling furniture, books, and other fragile items away from the water—but only if you’re certain the standing water isn’t going to be an electrical hazard. Once you’ve done all you can, try to relax. We’ll be there soon to save the day and make it "Like it never even happened."®

Do you Need to Hire a Restoration Company to Cleanup Water Damage?

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Yeah...you might want to call someone for this job.

After years of hard work and dedication, you finally have your dream home or business, but one of your worst nightmares happens: whether due to a leak or a burst pipe, your building has flooded. You may be standing in your building in shock, staring at the mess, and assuming the worst. You might also be wondering, “Do I need to hire a restoration company to clean up this water damage?”

While you may be able to handle some of the job, it’d be more prudent and efficient to hire a professional to help minimize damage to your cherished possessions and help to ensure your home or business is returned to preloss condition in most cases.

If you’re in need of Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration, it’s almost always not a “Do-it-yourself” job. You’re not alone—call a franchise professional from SERVPRO of Greensboro North to help you get back to where you belong.

SERVPRO can Quickly Help Clean and Restore any Size Disaster?

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Men clean the outside of a building on scaffolds

You don't want to try this yourself. You might be afraid of heights!

Owning a home or a company can come with many complications. When you first get started, it seems like anything could go wrong at any moment, and it might!

That’s the bad news.

The good news is with SERVPRO of Greensboro North, you can rest easy knowing any disaster or damage that happens to your home or business from water, fire, storms, mold, or even biowaste can be cleaned up and restored ASAP, with 24/7 Emergency Service.

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners and business owners with all sorts of calamities, and our testimonials will vouch for our industry-leading skills and experience.

So if you find yourself in a mess (sometimes literally), call SERVPRO of Greensboro North, and we can come help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Five Ways you can Prevent Storm Damage to your Home

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Hope you prepared, buster. If not, have a Red Bull and hop to it!

Storms are an ever-present part of life, and our species has been waging a war against the winds for as long as we have been on this planet, but you don’t have to be completely helpless against storm damage.

Check out these five tips to prevent storm damage to your home:

Shingles: Periodically check and verify your roof’s shingles are in good working order.

Shingles that are damaged run a higher risk of being ripped off the roof during storm, leaving your roof vulnerable to even more wind damage. Those shingles are there for a reason! Either DIY a replacement or contact a professional to do it for you.

Siding: It’s the same story with your siding. You may think a small-ish gap in your siding is nothing more than a moderate eye-sore, but it can actually be a danger to the structural integrity of your home! Without siding protecting the walls, wind is more able to blow in and do serious damage to the house instead of being redirected safely by your siding. Depending on where it is on your house, you might be able to DIY it, but if it’s >20 ft in the air, you might want to contact a professional!
Fenceposts: If you have a fence, you should do a quick run-thru of each post, verifying it is indeed sturdily inserted into the ground by giving it a solid shake. This may seem unnecessary, but if a decent-sized gale blows through your neighborhood, flying fenceposts aren’t out of the question! This is an easy task to knock out yourself in twenty minutes or so.
Tree branches: If you have any mature trees in your yard or nearby, pop on over to them and look for any branches that seem weak or older, and trim them off to nip that problem in the bud (literally!) You don’t want branches turning into projectiles and destroying your windows or roof. If your neighbor has a tree that needs trimming, pester him to do so before the storm comes. Neighbors love being told to trim their trees by other neighbors!
Yard Projectiles: If you have children, you likely have some toys scattered about the yard or hidden in the grass for later play. If you don’t have children, you likely have a fire pit and some lawn furniture for your own leisure time. You might even have both! Regardless, wind can toss around anything that isn’t bolted to the ground, so either pull what you can inside, or tie it to something that’s not going anywhere, like a tree or a shed or whatever you can find.

We can’t ever ensure we will never be the victim of storm damage, but we can take easy steps to lower our chances. Good luck, and if worst comes to worst, call SERVPRO of Kernersville at (336) 748-0250 and we can help you clean up the damage.

SERVPRO Won’t Talk Down to you in your Time of Need

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Once you're done brooding, give us a call.

We know you are probably stressed out over your water damage, fire damage, or storm damage you’re dealing with. You’re likely weighing your options, choosing between handling the damage yourself (don’t!) or choosing between various damage restoration companies in Kernersville. One important thing to take into account is whether or not your restoration specialists will be keeping you in the loop during the cleanup and restoration process.

Here at SERVPRO of Kernersville, we pride ourselves in giving detailed explanations for each step of the task at hand. We tell you what needs to be done, how long it will take, and what level of preloss conditions we can restore your home to.

Communication is key at SERVPRO, so we make sure you have all the information you need before, during, and after the cleanup job, and we even cap it off with a final walk-thru of your property after the task is completed to ensure your satisfaction.

Call us at (336) 379-1772 to learn more.

What Are The Main Causes of Restaurant Fires?

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the foodservice industry has become one of the most negatively affected industries. With mandated government closures and limits on capacity, there is much on the mind of restaurateurs. Covid-19 has forced restaurants of all shapes and sizes to think outside of the box to best stay afloat and serve their community. Colliding with those thoughts are worries that are always a concern of business owners which are fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, there are 7,410 structural fires pertaining to restaurants every year. Causing thousands of dollars in fire damage. 40% of restaurant fires occur in the kitchen caused by stoves, ovens, and other electrical as well as gas appliances. Lighting equipment and smoking are also contributing causes to restaurant fires.

A few tips to help prevent restaurant fires whether it’s a fast-food establishment, fast-casual, or fine dining.

Include in your new employee training fire prevention and safety rules to be followed.
Regularly train current employees on kitchen safety.
Instruct all servers, cooks, and bussers on the fire extinguisher utilization.
Have a designated area for smoking a safe distance from the building.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

References

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Heating_Safety.ashx

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Eating-and-drinking-establishments

What Items Can Be Saved After Your Home Floods?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Rain, rain, and more rain. They’re moments in the year, sometimes too many where our community goes days on end with rain. Then changing over to snow and ice in the winter if the temperatures manage to drop below freezing for a substantial amount of time. While snow is pretty to look at, what often accompanies it is a fearful weather condition. Ice can cause trees to topple over onto your roof creating a hole where water can seep into all areas of your home including the basement.

Falling trees can rupture the pipes of your home as well which may cause hundreds if not more gallons of water to spew out into your basement, flooring, walls, and ceiling. Any amount of standing water in your home may spell disaster if not mitigated promptly. Significant water damage can begin to warp your hardwood floors, stain your carpeting, and create a mold growth situation.

Calling an experienced water cleanup crew with IICRC Certification and experience in restoration is key to beginning the process of getting your home back to normal. Our team is trained in proper drying methods and mold testing to help keep your family safe. We’ll also reconstruct your house after it’s been restored to streamline the process.

When many customers call our office to request our services it’s critical you’ve already completed a few tasks beforehand. Listed below are a few key steps homeowners should take if they experience water damage.

Shut Off The Water Source

Locate the cut-off valve in your home. It’s likely underneath your kitchen or bathroom sink.

Do What You Can In Order To Mitigate The Damage

Try to soak as much water as you can on your own using towels.

Call A Water Cleanup Company

Available 24/7 with 20+ years of experience and contractor license for repairs.

Speak To Your Home Insurance Provider

Save your insurance agent’s contact information on your phone, or write it down.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

How To Prepare For A Workplace Power Outage?

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Recent severe winter storms knocked out power to thousands across the Piedmont Triad in February 2021. The threat of ice storms along with thunderstorms in the spring and summer highlights the importance of having an emergency preparedness plan for your workplace. It’s critical business owners have a safety plan in place to protect their employees as down power lines from powerful winds and toppling trees can wreak havoc on a worker’s commute. The most important thing is ensuring that everyone in your workforce is safe. Having a safety plan of action that includes who and where to report to is crucial in these scenarios.

Many businesses may have a generator that may continue to power their electrical system if it’s disrupted. However, some workplaces may only utilize a generator to keep minimal services up in running. In those sorts of cases, a business manager or owner informing their workers on what will be kept up and running is crucial. Also, remember that your power company may already be aware of the outage is caused by a natural disaster such as an ice storm, tornado, or hurricane.

When preparing your workplace for a potential outage recognize that planning too much is a good thing. You can never be prepared in natural disaster scenarios. According to the National Fire Protection Agency’s website: electrical distribution and lighting equipment was the second leading cause of office property fires (12%) of fires while causing 15% of direct property damage.

Listed below are several key steps that your business can take to protect your employees and commercial space from potential fires. Caused by an electrical disruption as well as tips to prepare for a power outage.

Power Outage Preparedness and Safety

Be aware of the weather forecast by watching your local news or checking the weather online.
Communicate with your employees prior to any power outage or natural disaster event on the emergency preparedness plan.
Utilize a print version of your company’s emergency preparedness plan as a resource.
Communicate with your supervisor on the next steps if a power outage occurs.
Consider unplugging any personal electrical equipment including phone chargers and desk lights.
Don’t go near any down power lines or wires during a power outage.

References

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Press-Room/News-releases/2020/NFPA-releases-first-two-videos-of-a-new-campaign-series

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/US-Structure-in-Office-Properties

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Electrical/Fatal-electrical-injuries-at-work

https://emergencyplanguide.org/power-outage-in-the-workplace/

Tips For Preventing Electrical Fires In Your Kitchen

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchens are the heart of the home and they have increasingly become the place where we spend the most time. Protecting the heart of the home is similar to protecting your own heart that is inside your body. Properly maintaining your electrical equipment and appliances to ensure that they’re in good shape. That includes regular cleanings, not overextending the equipment, and knowing the proper way to use it according to the instructions.

Taking steps to prevent the appliances and electrical equipment in your kitchen from becoming a fire hazard are simple yet are easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of life. Listed below are several tips on how to help prevent electrical fires in your kitchen.

Only plug your major appliances into electrical sockets. Do not use extension cords or power cords. Refrigerators and stoves should only go into the main sockets.
Regularly clean your appliances and electrical equipment. Read the instructions on the appliance or in the instruction manual for cleaning guidelines.
Only use your electrical equipment for its specified purpose. Doing otherwise may lead to it becoming a fire hazard.

SERVPRO of Kernersville is a certified and experienced fire cleanup crew. Restoring hundreds of homes and businesses after experiencing a fire, smoke, and soot damage to their interior.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

How My Space Heater Can Become a Fire Hazard

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

As the winter season sets in and temperatures prepare to plummet, thousands of families across Kernersville will be utilizing different forms of heating equipment to remain warm. Space heaters may be one mechanism homeowners use and although it may be great at creating a comfortable environment inside your home they may also present themselves as a fire hazard if not properly applied in their given area. According to the National Fire Protection Association. Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths.

To protect yourself, loved ones and property from the potential fire hazard posed by spaces heaters the SERVPRO of Kernersville team has listed several points below.

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment including spaces heaters.
Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around space heaters.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Providing useful information to keep your family safe this winter season is important to our team. If you do, however, experience a home fire damaging portions of your property or all of it in its entirety our team is ready to respond to mitigate the damage. The SERVPRO of Kernersville team has performed thousands of fire restoration jobs in our twenty plus years of existence. Whether it’s staining soot damage, a lasting smoke odor, or varying contents such as furniture, toys, and precious family keepsakes you need to be taken care of. We’re here to help!

References

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/winter-holiday-fires-infographic.pdf

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Heating

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Candle-fires

https://www.esfi.org/news/5-things-you-should-know-about-space-heaters-638#sthash.LTHHLmhN.dpbs

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Heating_Safety.ashx

Rising Numbers of COVID-19 in Piedmont Triad

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville has performed hundreds of proactive and post cleanings for commercial spaces since the beginning of the pandemic. Equipped with our corporate patented SERVPROXIDE disinfectant our Production Technicians have disinfected small office spaces to large industrial plants. Each of our crew members is trained in effective sanitization methods to grant you and your employees peace of mind as you head back into the workplace.

2021 is a promising year with many heading back into the workplace for the first time since early spring 2020. Coming together as a community was necessary in order to combat the pandemic and show that we’re #greensborostrong. Please continue to wear your mask, practice socially distancing when required, and if you do have an employee test positive at your facility please give our team a call.

If your home or business is in need of one of our other services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

References

https://www.wfmynews2.com/video/news/health/coronavirus/professional-cleaners-phase-two-disinfecting-deep-cleaning-businesses-phase-two/83-d8886d0a-7ae8-45f1-8771-a8b27f860f27

Keeping Your Air Ducts Clean

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Sustaining a small business through the wide-ranging effects of COVID-19 is a daunting task. Remaining up to date with the latest CDC recommendations and state requirements on cleaning and disinfecting has shifted the way many business owners operate; taking up more time in their schedule. It’s critical that other pieces of your business don’t fall to the waist side including your air duct system which is central to maintaining a safe working environment.

Failing to have your air duct system regularly cleaned may lead to poor air quality for your commercial space as well as lead to a potential fire hazard. Dust can become flammable when it’s allowed to build up in your duct system which may eventually lead to a fire erupting.

Protecting your employees’ health and their livelihoods is the first priority for business owners. Therefore, partnering with a professional commercial air duct cleaning crew is essential. The SERVPRO of Kernersville crew has over two decades of experience in this arena and the equipment to thoroughly clean your air duct system.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

Trauma Scene Safety & Clean-Up For Property Management Companies

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Handling the aftermath of a death on your property is a sensitive ordeal. Although a mortician or coroner will remove a body from your rental property the matter of cleanup is left to the landlord/property owner. Once a human body begins to decompose the entire house becomes a biohazard scene containing potential infections and diseases throughout. Failure to adequately remediate after a death occurs in one of your commercial or residential properties may lead to further issues with other properties near your property.

Health Risk

Human waste including bodily fluids, urine, and feces can contain E. coli, norovirus, and pinworms.
Bloodborne pathogens including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis C, and HIV can be found in the area where the body was found including the floors, walls, mattresses, and furniture.
Along with the physical health risk of individuals cleaning up after a death has occurred, there is also the mental health risk if the person was a loved one. The psychological damage should not be discounted.

PPE & Clean-Up

SERVPRO of Kernersville is your area leader in human waste clean-up including crime scenes and biohazard remediation.

Each of our crew members is equipped with the necessary PPE to complete the biohazard remediation process including hazmat suits, goggles, respirators, and disposable gloves.
Adding to the IICRC training, biohazard remediation equipment, and readiness our team possesses; SERVPRO has industrial-grade chemicals to properly disinfect and deodorize your home. A decomposing body can also leave a foul smell in your home which may harm the potential resale value.

If your home, rental property, or business is in need of one of our other services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/global/sanitation/workers_handlingwaste.html

https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens

Winter Preparedness For The Workplace

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Office spaces across Forsyth County have set idle for nearly the entire year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thousands of workers in Kernersville have had the ability to work from home for months. Creating the opportunity for water damage, mold, and other structural issues to go unnoticed due to the absence of staff members. Entering into 2021 many employers will continue to grant their employees the option of working remotely while others may begin to bring their teams back into the office strategically. Business owners and managers anticipating the return of portions of their staff should plan on how to handle property damage if it is discovered.

Water damage brought on by leaky pipes or infiltration from a storm may lead to mold. Arriving back in the office to discover mold has grown in the restroom area, breakrooms, and other spots is a matter that is best attended to swiftly. To prepare, supervisors should perform a complete walkthrough of the entire area for any signs of water damage before any subordinate workers arrive for work. Mold damage likewise can be detected by a moldy or mildew smell. Black like spoors may also be a sign whether on the flooring, walls, or ceilings.

Winter is upon the Piedmont Triad and at just the moment you may be welcoming administrative assistants, customer service reps, accountants, and marketers your pipes burst. Temperatures below 32 degrees can do that if water freezes in your pipes. To help prevent your business’s pipes from bursting is to review any exposed areas for leaks. Standing water may be a sign that your pipes are leaking.

Along with preparing for water, mold, and storm damage that may have occurred while everyone was away from the office helping your employees feel safe coming back is as critical. SERVPRO of Kernersville has performed hundreds of proactive pre-cleanings this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Our staff are experienced and possess the necessary equipment to sanitize your office space to add to the comfortableness of your employees.

Real vs. Fake: The Great Christmas Tree Debate

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

December is here and the holiday season is in full swing. Homeowners across Kernersville and surrounding communities will be showcasing their decorative Christmas Tree whether artificial or natural. People still debate the merits of both and while we’re not going to settle the score here. They're safety precautions you should take regardless if you’re purchasing a “real tree” or a fake tree.

Natural Christmas Trees according to the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of F.E.M.A. pose a higher fire risk compared to artificial trees. Meaning homeowners should take extra safety measures in order to minimize the likelihood of a fire starting. It’s critical that in the hustle or bustle of the holiday season from shopping to entertaining guests that you don’t forget to water your Christmas Tree daily. A dry Christmas Tree may be a potential fire hazard according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Along with watering your Christmas Tree daily, homeowners should make sure their tree is at least 3 feet away from any heating source. That will include any space heaters, fireplaces, candles, and radiators. This may require a bit of maneuvering if you live in a tighter space, however is well worth the effort. More than 1 out of 5 Christmas Tree fires was caused due to the tree being close to a heating source.

As a fire clean-up restoration company, our experienced team is ready to assist you if a fire does occur in your home. Our warehouse contains an arsenal of tools that the SERVPRO team will utilize to mitigate and remediate the fire damage. Christmas trees are a quintessential feature of the holiday season. SERVPRO of Kernersville wants you and your family to have a wonderful holiday remember the important safety measures everyone should take.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning service, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

References

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/winter-holiday-fires-infographic.pdf

Is My Water Heater Leaking?

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

white water heater in the background with another home appliance system surrounding by cream pink walls

Water Heater System

Your alarm clock rings, waking you up, beginning your day as usual taking a hot shower to wake you up from last night’s dreams. Shockingly, there is no hot water spraying out from the showerhead. Checking to see if your sink faucet has the same issue you’re understandably beyond frustrated at the situation. What could it be? More than likely your water heater has begun to leak meaning it’s not working properly.

A leaking water heater may cause serious damage to your flooring, subflooring, and walls if mitigation is not performed promptly. Whether the water heater is located in an exterior room or basement it impacts the rest of your home’s structures may become compromised. Most importantly once a water heater leak is found remember to turn off the power source. Also, the power source for the electric and gas water heater are typically located in different places. Next shut off the valve to stop the leak. Third, if possible try to locate the leakage source.

Standing water, even a few centimeters, needs to be remediated by a water cleanup and restoration crew. The potential ramifications of attempting to do it on your own or allowing it to sit for a substantial amount of time can impact the integrity of your property. Possibly impacting your home’s resale value if you’re considering the avenue in a few months or years. SERVPRO of Kernersville is an experienced crew with an IICRC Certification and multiple reviews online from customers praising our work.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Who Can Clean My Smoke Damaged Furniture In Kernersville?

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

It can take less than 30 seconds for black smoke to consume your entire home from the beginning of a fire. Layering your furniture with soot and leaving behind a stringent odor only a professional cleaning crew is capable of removing. Accessing the damage left behind due to a home fire and rectifying its effects is a high burden no homeowner should have to confront on their own.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team is made up of industry experts, trained to evaluate the damage to your items, providing an accurate report to homeowners of what our crew can do to help them in their circumstances. The type of furniture impacted and the severity of the damage to the home will influence the strategy utilized. Whether it’s upholstery, leather, or wood we’ll provide a professional opinion of the steps required to move forward. Our crew is equipped with an arsenal of materials needed to clean smoke damaged furniture giving homeowners the ability to focus on other matters while SERVPRO takes care of them.

SERVPRO of Kernersville is here to help Kernersville Homeowners salvage and restore as many valued items as possible after experiencing a home fire. Our service area incorporates part of Forsyth County granting us the privilege to help property owners in the Town of Kernersville.

SERVPRO of Kernersville serves the communities of

Kernersville, NC 27284
Kernersville, NC 27285

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

What Are The Dangers of Leaving Cooking Unattended?

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

The holidays are right around the corner and while this is one of the most exciting times of the year it’s critical that you not forget all the information learned from Fire Prevention Week the first week of October. In the haze of hosting extended family from out of town and preparing a large meal for everyone, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. Thanksgiving according to the National Fire Protection Agency is the day where the highest rates on average of home fires take place, unfortunately.

Fires can quickly spread throughout your home in a matter of minutes and while they can start from electrical malfunction or arson; cooking fires make up the plurality of home fires according to the National Fire Protection Agency. From 2014-2018, 66% on average to be exact. Kitchen fires from cooking may result in significant damage to your home. Leaving cooking unattended to welcome guests or attend to children, even for a few minutes is highly discouraged. Cooking a turkey especially should be done with the utmost care and attention.

Fires from cooking left unattended may also cause large swaths of the interior of your home to fill with smoke. Smoke may damage your kitchen appliances and countertops requiring a professional fire restoration crew to attend to them. Smoke may also spread into other areas of the home layering furniture with soot. Soot may be difficult to get out of your home and contacting an experienced fire restoration to mitigate the damage is crucial to preserving the integrity of each item.

References

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/ThanksgivingSafety.ashx

https://nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Cooking

What Flood Damage Can Do To Your Basement

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

This year is expected to be one of the wettest years of record for Kernersville, Forsyth County, and the rest of the Piedmont Triad. With the number of tropical storms tracking through the area this past hurricane season, as well as rainfall, homeowners across Forsyth County may be experiencing water damage. Caused due to rainfall or flooding which may lead to mold in the future if not remediated by a qualified and reputable water restoration crew.

Several inches of rain in your basement may not seem like a big deal, however, it’s quite the opposite. Water can begin to impact the foundation of your home impacting its integrity. Not mitigating and remediating the water damage may lead to mold growth in the future requiring a professional water cleanup crew to get involved if you are trying to resell your home. Along with impacting the integrity of your foundation through the basement; your personal items including furniture may also be damaged.

It’s critical when your home or business experiences water damage to reach out to the SERVPRO of Kernersville team immediately. Our water mitigation crew is experienced and continuously trained throughout the year in industry-standard methods of water cleanup.

Fire Safety Measures Everyone Should Take

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville is closing out Fire Safety Month with important information and exciting news for next month. Partnering with local fire departments is critical to getting information out on fire safety.

Rounding out the end of the month it’s crucial that homeowners check their smoke alarms to ensure the battery isn’t dead and it’s working effectively. Fires can spread within minutes throughout an entire home causing destruction of property and smoke to fill the room leaving a layer of soot in its wake. Having a fire extinguisher located in your kitchen is also a great purchase decision. While sleeping close your bedroom door as well as the doors of your children’s bedroom. It may inhibit the spread of a fire for the time being.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

How To Brace Your Home For The Next Hurricane

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

June 1 began the official start to the hurricane season with two named storms Arthur and Bertha forming in the Atlantic. Hurricane Isaias developed in late July crawling up the east coast causing power outages and property damage in its wake. While the hurricane made a minimal impact on local residents, homeowners should prepare themselves for the next hurricane that may travel further inland.

Inches of rain can fall within hours as a hurricane track’s inland. Flooding a home’s basement and weakening the sewage system essential to any family’s well-being. To protect your home’s basement it’s critical you thoroughly inspect the pipes and sewage lines to see if years of wear and tear have impacted their reliability.

Floodwaters can also infiltrate your home’s basement through the windows. Ensuring that they’re properly sealed is a critical part of your hurricane preparation plans not only for the summer and fall season but year-round. Outside of the basement creating a landscape surrounding your home that diverts water away rather than towards may also help to limit the amount of floodwater.

If your property does experience damage due to flooding from a storm or hurricane, please call us. We’re staffed with an emergency team of water mitigation experts ready to assist you.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Facts About Homes Fires

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

The first full week of October is Fire Prevention Week which makes sense. As the colder weather moves inward pushing out the warm temperatures from the summer more people will be spending time indoors. Which, unfortunately, means the likelihood of home fires may increase. While your SERVPRO of Kernersville crew is here to assist you if you do experience a home fire we want to offer your tips and advice to prevent fires in the first place.

First here are the facts on home fires.

49% of home fires are caused by cooking.
14% of home fires are caused by heating.
1-% of home fires are caused by electrical means.

https://nfpa.org/News-and-Research

To prevent home fires remember

Never leave cooking unattended.
Put out your wood-burning fireplace before going to bed.
Have all electrical work done by a professional, reputable electrician.

Fire Prevention Week Is Oct. 4-10

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

Fall is an exciting time of year! With the season change, more people will be spending time indoors cooking and lighting the fireplace. All great occurrences to make memories and pass the time. Unfortunately, cooking can sometimes lead to kitchen fires and fireplaces can set homes ablaze which is why the first full week of October is Fire Prevention Week.

October 4 - October 10 is Fire Prevention Week where organizations across America include the National Fire Protection Association, highlighting the importance of preventing fires and offering training, videos, tips, and advice to inform the public on practices that should be used in order to prevent fires. Protocols such as never leaving cooking unattended.

Fire Prevention Week also asks parents to take the initiative in speaking with their children on fire protection and prevention. Teaching them how to first prevent fires by not using the stove without a parent present. Calling 911 in the case of an emergency and how to get out of their home safely if there is a fire.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO o Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

Flooding Hazards Due To A Hurricane?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding is a major concern for homeowners as hurricanes track toward their area dropping inches of rain in a matter of hours. Floodwaters can infiltrate your home causing damage to its interior including the basement and the first floor. Preventing this sort of damage which may also lead to mold is at top of mind for property owners as a tropical storm moves inland. Flooding can also have life-threatening ramifications as well presenting a hazard to yourself, your family, and your community.

There are a number of hazards posed to individuals and the public when flooding occurs and fails to recede for a substantial amount of time. Down power lines due to strong winds can fall into floodwaters endangering the public with the possibility of elocution if the wires are still live. Physical objects such as debris, road signage, and vehicles can become trapped in floodwaters as well which reinforces the need to avoid floodwaters at all possible until it recedes.

Individuals who reside in rural areas and in some circumstances urban areas will also want to avoid floodwaters for health reasons. Human and livestock waste can be found in floodwaters diluting it. Various chemicals used in residences and industrial areas may also present a hazard to the public. It’s recommended to avoid floodwaters as much as possible to avoid coming into contact with contaminants to prevent risk to your health overall.

https://www.ready.gov/september

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/general-information-disasters

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/floodsafety.html

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/hurricanes

COVID-19 Cleaning: Reopening Study

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Business leaders across Forsyth County have stepped up tremendously in the past few months to combat coronavirus. Adjusting to “The New Normal” has been difficult for everyone, however, the SERVPRO of Kernersville team continues to have the opportunity to partner with businesses desiring to keep their customers and employees safe.

Since March, our team has disinfected and sanitized businesses in Kernersville. In the midst of the pandemic, employers are asking if the proactive and reactive cleaning steps they’re undertaking are worth it. The simple answer is yes! It’s well worth the investment to go beyond the normal janitorial cleaning you’ve been accustomed to and hire a professional cleaning crew; such as SERVPRO to add a needed layer of protection to your space.

SERVPRO’s corporate office has partnered with a highly regarded public relations firm that conducted a study two months ago concerning the public’s attitude to business safety protocols. Take a look at their findings below.

Consumers expect your business to be cleaner than their homes. (71% expect businesses to have higher cleanliness standards than respondents do in their own homes.)
If you aren’t clean, your business will suffer great damage to its reputation. (76% say the way a business addresses cleanliness during COVID is a good indicator of how well that business is run in general.)
This is the start of a new era for cleanliness and businesses. (73% say they are going to be more attuned to cleanliness once COVID is over.)
Customer concerns about COVID are not going away any time soon. (68% are constantly thinking about avoiding COVID exposure when out in public.)
All else being equal (product, price, service, convenience) customers trust businesses that are professionally cleaned over ones that self-clean. (64% are more likely to choose to shop at the store that has a decal stating the store has been professionally cleaned.)
Surface cleaning remains a significant concern. (59% are worried about COVID exposure from touching surfaces that have not been sufficiently cleaned.)

www.SERVPROkernersville.com

Is Water Coming Out Of My AC Unit?

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Blasting the AC feels like a great idea on a hot summer day in Kernersville. But after lowering the thermostat the temperature of your home continues to rise. Running upstairs to the attic you find watermarks staining the walls caused by condensation and a pool of water around the HVAC system. Come to find out water has been leaking from your unit.

An overflowed drain pan, clogged drain lines, and a dirty evaporator coil are all potential reasons your air conditioning unit is leaking. Maintaining an AC unit and assuring it’s performing correctly is a homeowner’s responsibility. Checking in on your unit regularly is an important preventative measure as the cost to repair may need to come out of your pocket and not your home insurance company. A leaky AC unit located in your attic may also deplete the integrity of your roof adding to the cost overall, reinforcing the importance of upkeep.

Responding promptly to the water damage that has occurred includes hiring a professional water restoration crew. Waiting may increase the severity of the damage to your attic and the investment needed in order to remediate once production begins. Our team is experienced both mitigating the water damage to your attic and effectively remediating the area impacted. We’ve also earned several certifications in water cleanup through the IICRC.

My Basement Is Flooded, What Next?

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Walking downstairs to wash a load of laundry and after a few steps, you encounter water engulfing the lower level of your home. A boatload of emotions begins running through your mind as you reconcile your previous task with the present circumstance. Take a deep breath and let's work through this together as a team.

The first thing to do in the event is to shut off all power to that area. Water is a conductor for electricity and attempting to inspect the damage beforehand is highly discouraged. Once the electricity has been shut off having the water damage mitigated is the next step. That’s where the SERVPRO of Kernersville team comes in. Our team of expert water cleanup professionals is equipped with an arsenal of tools to mitigate the damage before remediation and eventually repairs begin.

It’s critical that you reach out to our team quickly concerning this sort of damage. Failing to do so may result in mold growth. Wet and dim conditions such as a flooded basement are the preferred breeding ground for mold. Mold may impact the integrity of your home and may cause negative health effects. Getting our team out to your property may be paramount to preventing this sort of scenario.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Next Steps After Flood Damage To Your Business

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

Most conversations around protecting the workplace have been centered around Coronavirus. Nevertheless being aware of and planning for all potential threats to the health and safety of your employees is important for their overall well-being. Flooding from a thunderstorm or even a hurricane can impair your business and stop operations for weeks if not months depending on your circumstances.

If your business does experience flood damage these are the steps to take.

Wait for the all-clear from your local authorities before attempting to reach your business.
Once you arrive it’s vital you shut off the electricity to the building.
Take pictures of everything inside (office furniture, electronics, appliances, goods, etc.) even if it appears to have not been damaged.
Call your insurance provider to file a claim.

Also, another bit of advice: Keep pricing records of expensive items such as computers and appliances to show your insurance company proof of value.

SERVPRO Is Committed To Keeping Our Employees and Customers Safe

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team is doing our part to protect the residents of Kernersville during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Through the North Carolina stay-at-home orders and into reopening we’ve continued to provide our essential services to the surrounding community.

SERVPRO’s commitment to keeping our employees and customers safe is critical to all of us working together to defeat this virus. Our office staff is including in their screening questions; have you or anyone in your household recently tested positive or been exposed to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus? All in an effort to protect our employees and other customers from exposures to the disease.

SERVPRO’s Production Technicians and Sales/Marketing Representatives are also adhering to CDC Guidelines and established protocol when meeting with customers out in the field. Each is required to wear a face-covering while onsite and disposable gloves. Their temperatures are also checked each morning daily before going to a customer’s home or place of business.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Emergency Water Cleanup in Kernersville

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Your basements flooded after a heavy rainstorm or your toilet overflows after one too many flush attempts. In both emergency scenarios, it’s critical that a professional water cleanup crew responds swiftly to mitigate the damage. SERVPRO of Kernersville is equipped and ready to assist you with your water cleanup. Offering 24/7, 365 emergency services we understand the inconvenience of a water loss and are committed to helping you resume your normal life.

From the moment you call our office, you’ll speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members who will guide you through the next steps in the process. Our staff members are experts in cleanup and restoration for water damage as well as the other essential services our team provides to the Kernersville community.

The SERVPRO Production Team is made up of a dedicated team that will arrive on the scene to begin the process of resolving your water loss. Each member of our production crew is trained in the best mitigation and remediation tactics for water losses that have happened in your basement, attic, bathroom, kitchen, etc.

Why Does My Attic Smell Musty?

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Attic space is typically used for storage and not so much for actual living space. Homeowners making the rare trip upstairs to retrieve a few items may encounter a musty smell as they lift their heads above the ladder. Detecting a musty odor encompassing the entire room instantly switches their mind into panic mode. Attempting to figure out what is the cause of the smell.

Recognizing a musty smell in your attic could indicate that water infiltration has happened and mold growth is occurring. Attic’s can be several degrees warmer in the summer and lower in the winter compared to the rest of the home. Allowing for condensation to accumulate if there isn’t adequate ventilation. Not properly ventilating your attic can create a scenario where the least thought of area in your home easily shifts to top of mind.

Our team of professionals in Kernersville is trained to assess the severity of the mold damage in order to provide the best resolution. This is a quality of life issue as remediating the attic mold is vital for both the health of yourself and everyone else who resides in the home. We’re equipped with the necessary tools to contain the mold, mitigate its effects, and remediate the area through antimicrobial treatment that eradicates mold colonies.

If your home or business requires our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

Need A Home Restoration Company Now?

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Experiencing any sort of property damage to your home is a stressful situation. Potentially meaning a displacement of your family until the damage is remediated and a significant financial investment. Whatever the cause for reaching out to our team we’re aware of the emotional toll a fire takes on a homeowner and their family.

Electrical wiring that’s worn out or wasn’t properly installed presents a real and dangerous fire hazard. Your first reaction is to always dial 911 to prevent the fire from spreading to the entire home, but what’s next after your local fire department leaves?

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team understands the emotional state anyone would be in after experiencing a home fire. From our office staff who are your first point of contact providing a reassuring voice during your unfortunate time. First making sure that your family is physically okay before moving into questions concerning the fire itself.

Our well-trained and experienced crew are capable of performing a variety of tasks from smoke and soot cleanup to a thorough cleaning of salvaged contents from the fire. The Production Technicians maintain an arsenal of fire restoration equipment to respond effectively when the call comes in.

Preventing Grill Fires This Summer

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

With the stay-at-home order, now lifted in North Carolina thousands of residents will be firing up the grill. Homeowners choosing to reconnect with loved ones and showcase exterior updates they’ve made from the nearly three-month-long quarantine are feeling the anticipation. However, before inviting guests over for your cookout it’s critical your grill is ready for the party too.

The possibility for a grill fire to occur regardless if it’s charcoal, propane gas, or natural gas necessitates that you take all the precautions to keep yourself, loved ones, and property safe.

Proceeding the actual grilling it’s important that you evaluate your grill for any abnormalities. Especially for natural gas grills you want to examine them closely for any leakages or broken lines.
Remember to keep your grill a substantial amount away from your home. Fires can spread fast and the closer your grill is to your property the higher likelihood there is for not only your deck to be damaged but your entire home as well.
If a fire begins and gets out of control immediately call 911. The further spread of the fire can impact your neighbor’s homes as well.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team wants everyone to have a great and safe 2020 Summer.

Don’t Let Water Damage Impair Your Business

6/26/2020 (Permalink)

Working from home has become the norm since the coronavirus outbreak began. However, not every industry or company is capable of asking their employees to work remotely. Whether it’s a manufacturing plant or a financial services office were operating on a secure network is best. Any disruption to your business’s workflow can cause a reduction in productivity and revenue loss.

COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind for keeping their business open, but water pipe leaks and sewer backups can cause your business to shut down just as fast. Water damage can impair your property’s flooring, walls, and ceiling greetings an unsafe working environment for your employees.

Several proactive steps that can be taken to prevent water damage include sealing cracks and gaps as well as regular maintenance of the entire property. It’s also critical to review your insurance policy to assure you’re protected.

Potential Causes of Basement Flooding From Storms

6/12/2020 (Permalink)

Many homeowners dream of having a basement that they can truly make into their own space. Whether it’s for added living space, a man cave, or even a basement apartment. Adding features to a basement requires a substantial amount of investment. Therefore it’s paramount you protect your investment and the additional equity it has contributed to your property.

Hurricanes and rainstorms can cause significant damage to your home ruining the investment you’ve made. Flash flooding and torrential rainfall may make water cleanup a further ordeal you rather not encounter. There are several steps that you can take to minimize the likelihood of a basement flood which may lead to mold.

Building a rain garden may assist in preventing excess rain from coming into your basement.
Evaluate your basement and your entire home for any plumbing leaks.
Review your basement windows to ensure they’re sealed correctly.

Your SERVPRO of Kernersville team is experienced in the area of water cleanup, mitigation, and remediation. We’ve partnered with hundreds of homeowners during their water damage situations to resolve them effectively. Our area has experienced above-average rainfall for the last three years making these circumstances quite frequent.

Preventing Water Damage To Your Investment Property

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Property investment can be a huge gamble. The expectations from renters continue to increase. Prospective home buyers are searching for turn-key homes. Failing to rent out or sell your property can mean thousands of dollars lost in investment. However, a vacancy may be the least of your worries if your property experiences water damage.

Water damage from a flood or storm will hinder your ability to quickly rent out or sell your property. There are several important steps worth taking that may prevent your property from experiencing significant water damage.

Research if your investment property is in a flood zone before purchasing it.
Ensure your property manager or trusted associate is regularly reviewing the property for mold damage or any abnormalities that may allow water to come into the dwelling.
If your property does experience water damage then it’s critical to begin mitigation ASAP.

Your SERVPRO of Kernersville is experienced in water mitigation and remediation. We understand the importance of restoring your property to recuperate your cashflow. Whether your property has experienced damage due to storm, flood, or tenant misconduct we’re here to help.

Your Storm Cleanup and Disaster Recovery Experts

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Summer is a time to make boatloads of memories from evenings grilling out on your deck to weekends at your beach house overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The incredible investment you’ve made in your property has created an emotional tie to it and protecting it as well as the memories created are important. Nevertheless, being aware of the potential harm that can come to your property are thoughts best kept in mind also. A possible threat to your property is a hurricane which can cause crippling damage.

Hurricane season began this month and it’s critical homeowners prepare for the storms that may impact their area. Whether it’s a property you own here in the Piedmont Triad or a second home out on the Carolina Coast it’s paramount you do all you can you safeguard the integrity of the structure. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions may bring strong winds, inches upon inches of rain, and possibly tornadoes which can all spell disaster for your property.

Two years ago both Hurricane Florence and Michael struck the North Carolina coast. The SERVPRO of Kernersville team went into action as a storm clean and disaster recovery crew. We’re experienced in this arena not only from these two hurricanes but storms and tornadoes that have impacted Kernersville previously. We’re equipped and available to respond to your disaster situation when it happens.

Critical Fire Damage Mitigation

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Homeownership is a lauded part of the American Dream. It takes a great deal of determination and sacrifices to eventually come to the place where you’re able to purchase a home. Sacrifices of weekends not going and choosing now to go on vacation all to one day achieve your goal of owning a home.

People take great pride in their home and are constantly searching for new ways to improve it. There are numerous channels to do so in that arena. Along with the satisfaction of owning a home comes the responsibility to protect it includes fires which are most homeowners’ worst fears. House fires can cause a great deal of stress upon the owner of the home and it’ occupants. We’re here to partner with you through that difficulty.

The panic, the rage is familiar to our team, because we understand the emotional ties people have to their homes. Our team is dedicated to providing you with a tailored customer service suited to your needs. Some home fires may cause damage to one portion of the home while others may be determined to be a total loss.

Nevertheless, our team is prepared to clear and clean the contents of your home. Taking some of the burdens off your shoulders of having to go through your damaged home and choosing what to keep or throw out. The SERVPRO of Kernersville team are also experts in the realm of fire remediation for a property where our office staff is available to speak with you about what we can do for you.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Certified: SERVPRO cleaned graphic on the window of a business

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol

Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your

specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space,

amount of high-frequency touchpoints, foot traffic, and congestion points.

Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.

Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Kernersville today at (336) 748-0250 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision-makers on the first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. The study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Storms May Cause Water Damage To Your Home

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Kernersville is expecting a great amount of rain this week which may lead to damage for your property depending on how much falls at one time. Flash flooding is a real concern when inches of rainfall at one time in an area without proper drainage. To protect your property it’s quite important you do the proper research to learn if you live in a flood zone or not. While flooding can still impact your property even if your property is not in a flood zone. Living in a flood zone may increase the risk of damage to your property.

Taking the proper precautions nevertheless may be critical to protecting your investment. Rainwater may seep into your home which may cause mold if it goes unnoticed for a significant amount of time. Depending on your flooring the response to flooding impacting the interior of your home may change. If you do encounter a situation when your home is flooded it’s important to react quickly and partner with a local firm that’s experienced in mitigation.

Your SERVPRO of Kernersville team is readily available to assess your fire, water, mold, or storm damage needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at (336) 748-0250.

Commercial Cleaning For Your Place of Business

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Eventually, life will return to some resemblance of normalcy in the coming weeks and months. Part of your business’ reintegration into society should include disinfecting your entire commercial space to help protect the health of your employees and those who will be visiting your property. The CDC recommends cleaning high touch services including desk, keyboards, and all sorts of office components. Don’t forget about your office bathroom in terms of cleaning too. Utilizing a hospital-grade disinfectant may equipt you to minimize the risk of bacteria and germs taking hold in your office bathroom. Kitchens and kitchenettes should also be regularly disinfected throughout the day. The handle to the refrigerator as well as the buttons on the microwave is regularly touched and therefore should be cleaned.

While these are great recommendations from the CDC you may find yourself as a property owner in need of a reputable commercial clean crew with expertise and experience in disinfecting large spaces. That’s where the SERVPRO of Kernersville team comes in. Our crew is taking all the necessary precautions to help you create a safe and healthy environment for you to welcome both your employees and customers back when the time allows.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

We’re In Spring In Case You Haven’t Noticed

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

fallen tree with green leaves on top of a grey roof

fallen tree on a roof due to storm damage

COVID-19 has captivated all of our minds and required us to change our movements as well as our lifestyles. With everything going on it’s quite easy to forget that we’re presently in spring where severe weather is most prevalent. While COVID-19 is the focus of our minds at the moment it’s crucial not to forget the dangerousness of severe weather. How it negatively impacts all of us and takes life as swiftly as any virus can.

Your SERVPRO of Kernersville team wants to make the community aware that we’re still working and are ready to respond when severe weather strikes whether it’s heavy rain, flash flooding, hail, or a tornado which all can do significant damage to your property within a few short hours.

After severe weather strikes and you assess your property for any damage whether caused through the hail to your roof; perhaps a basement flood which is possible when heavy rains storm in. Flash flooding speaks for itself in its name and responding quickly is critical to minimizing the effects to your basement. Rainwater can also infiltrate your home through your door or if an object causes your home’s walls to falter. Nevertheless know that the SERVPRO of Kernersville team is here when you need us.

SERVPRO of Kernersville is available 24/7 to respond to your water loss situations and can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Bathroom Flood Mitigation Efforts

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

water on the floor of a kitchen with a window and kitchen room appliances to the right.

The flooded kitchen of a residence.

There’s a lot of water output in your bathroom from the sink, toilet, bathtub faucet, and showerhead. Therefore the possibility of things going wrong in terms of mold damage caused by water damage is heightened. If you suspect that mold has infiltrated your bathroom it’s paramount that you respond swiftly and efficiently in order to mitigate the effects. Discovering that you have mold damage isn’t difficult if you know the signs. First and foremost if you smell any mildew or unpleasant smell while in your bathroom that is sustained for long periods of time that may mean that mold has infected your bathroom.

Secondly, checking behind your toilet for any black spots may be another clear sign that mold has begun to build up. Checking underneath your sink vanity as well is also critical. Often times these places in your bathroom go unnoticed since they aren’t seen that often unless you’re searching for them. Lastly, review the area around your shower and bathtub for black spots. Water ma oftentimes spills out of the bathtub and if too much does spill out it may cause standing water outside your bathtub.

When encountering mold it may require the use of an experienced and expert mold remediation crew to resolve your matter. Our Production Technicians at SERVPRO of Kernersville have been trained in these matters, respectively, and are equipped to assist when necessary.

Your SERVPRO of Kernersville team is readily available to assess your fire, water, mold, or storm damage needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at 336-748-0250.

Kitchens are the heart of the home for many people, with all the traffic that they do receive throughout the day

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

brown mold in various shades on a ceiling.

Mold on a ceiling.

Kitchens are the heart of the home for many people. With all the traffic that they do receive throughout the day from breakfast in the morning to preparing dinner in the evening, it’s critical that you keep this part of your home up and running. Especially considering the preparation of food and its consumption in relation to the health of your loved ones. When attempting to found out if your kitchen has been affected by mold damage you want to check around the primary water sources for your kitchen. That, of course, would be the sink and the refrigerator.

Sinks are your primary water source in the kitchen and whether you’re washing dishes or preparing a meal with water it’s easy to allow water to flop around. If that water is continually allowed to pile up it may result in standing water. Standing water around your sink may be the precursor to mold beginning to develop. Likewise, for your refrigerator, you should regularly check behind and underneath your refrigerator for any standing water as well as mold beginning to develop. Many refrigerators come equipped with water and ice dispenser. If those connections to the wall falter it may cause leaking which may ultimately lead to mold.

If you encounter mold in your kitchen its best to respond quickly in order to mitigate the effects. The SERVPRO of Kernersville team is trained in these sorts of matters and are ready to assist when necessary.

Your SERVPRO of Kernersville team is readily available to assess your fire, water, mold, or storm damage needs if such events arise. We can be contacted at (336) 748-0250.

Storm Damage Can Impair Your Property

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

tornado coming down from the sky with a daybreaking sky in the background along the road.

Tornado in day breaking sky.

Thunderstorms are an unpleasant part of our lives including what often times comes with them. Tornadoes, hail, strong winds, and lightning are all potential threats to your home or place of business. The properties you hold most dear to your heart. Protecting your property and preparing for severe weather is a critical part of life that must be taken seriously. Of course, things such as power outages and flooding are out of all of our control but putting steps in place to mitigate the severity of those crises to your property may make an array of difference.

First things first if you experience a power outage it is more than likely due to down power lines in the Piedmont Triad. Don’t go near a down power line and your electrical company with modern technology will more than likely be aware of down power lines. Secondly, it’s possible that damage is done to your attic, ceiling, and walls due to outside objects or even potentially a tree that will allow water to flow into your home. Mitigating these occurrences to your space is crucial to the overall integrity of your property. Standing water on your floors, in your basement, or up in your attic are all potential dangers that the SERVPRO of Kernersville team has expertise and experience in mitigating storm damage to your property.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville service area includes the Town of Kernersville and our team has years of experience in storm damage as well as flood damage.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Being Prepared Is Your Only Defense

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning strikes

Severe weather striking the Piedmont Triad is a given during this period of the year. Spring is here so the likelihood of thunderstorms that may very well include lightning is sure to occur. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent lightning from striking your home or place of business. Lightning is not discriminatory and therefore every property is capable of being struck by lightning potentially causing a fire as wells as other sorts of damage.

Although you can’t prevent lightning from striking your home you can prepare for it. Disaster preparation is a critical part of protecting yourself and loved ones from further harm a severe weather occurrence is likely to ensue. If lightning does strike your home causing a fire you want to exit your home immediately. Smoke may do damage to your property and it’s furniture, but your life is irreplaceable. For your loved ones coordinating a meeting place in case a fire does occur is an important part of your disaster preparation plans. Testing your smoke alarm as well to ensure that it’s working properly is also paramount. An insufficient smoke alarm may spell disaster.

Speaking with your insurance agent about the fire damage to your property is never a pleasant conversation. The rush of emotions is understandable. Here at SERVPRO we understand that as well and are committed to excellent customer service during your hardship. We’ve developed great partnerships with many local agents and the fire departments across our service area. We’re known for our dedication and unparalleled commitment to getting things right the first time.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage, or perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Mold Is Best Dealt With Sooner Rather Than Later

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Mold on the ceiling.

Mold poses a serious risk to your property whether it be your home, office, warehouse, or retail space. Essentially all spaces where there’s moisture gathering there’s the potential for mold to occur and being mindful of that puts you one step ahead of preventing it. Now is a great time since people are slowing down with the COVID-19 public health crisis to review your property for any anomalies that you may have not to notice before until now.

First, be aware of any standing water in your property. That could be water that has circled your toilet, bathtub, or even underneath your sink. Checking underneath your sink and in the vanity for any water leaks is an important step in noticing mold damage, so that you may begin the mitigation process. Watermarks on walls in your home or place of business is possibly another sign of potential mold damage on your property.

Laundry rooms are also potential havens for water to fester and create a mold damage situation requiring an immediate response in order to mitigate the damage. Along with your eyesight also using your nose is a critical tool. A musty smell in your laundry room or bathroom can potentially be a sign that mold has developed. Checking behind your washer machine for any irregularities that may lead to water seeping out.

Mold can damage your property to the extent requiring a professional crew to remedy the situations. The health risk can also mount especially for the most vulnerable to sickness.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team can be reached at (336) 748-0250 for all your fire, water, mold, and proactive cleaning needs.

Content Cleaning For Fire Damage Items Part 1

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fire flames on the ceiling of a home.

Fires are worst-case scenarios for any property owner whether it’s your home, place of business, or a public building utilized for community activities. First things first, of course, are to ensure that your love ones are okay and healthy. Next is accessing the damage to your home which often times will be done by your home insurance adjuster. Being aware of the consequences to your property resulting from a fire is important to reassure yourself as well as educating yourself on how to ask the most insightful questions.

Depending on the severity of the fire you may be able to salvage items in your home or office. Content cleaning is one of SERVPRO of Kernersville services offered to clients after experiencing a fire. During such a stressful time experiencing a home fire, we want to partner with you and provide excellent customer service in deciding which items to keep while discarding those items you choose not to have anymore.

Stay tuned for much more concerning efficient responses to home fires, office fires, and other sorts of property fires.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Well Prepared To Respond To Your Commercial Cleaning Needs

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

Biohazard symbol

Protecting your employees and customers is every property owner’s top priority. Mitigating the risk of infectious diseases taking hold in your place of business is a great first step in your organization’s safety and health protocols. Doing so may have an impact on employee morale and provide your customers if you own retail space with an added sense of security. Your SERVPRO of Kernersville team is well equipped and readily available to assist with your biohazard remediation strategy.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team has in its arsenal an array of products and tools to utilize for your commercial space. We’ve partnered with a number of organizations in the past in their proactive commercial cleaning efforts. Helping to give them peace of mind for themselves as well as for their staff members and those who may be visiting the property. SERVPRO also has a hospital-grade EPA registered water-based disinfectant, #100 SERVPROXIDE.

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, or mold damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, 336-748-0250.

Measuring The Severity Of Your Water Loss

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded kitchen in a residence.

Encountered a water loss can certainly put a damper on your plans for the weekend or the vacation you were planning for later on in the year. Whether the loss was caused due to factors from a severe rainstorm that battered your neighborhood earlier in the week. A sewage backup that you weren’t expecting to occur or an accidental overuse of a water output source. That water output source could be a sink, toilet, or bathtub that was left on and ran over caused your bathroom or kitchen to be flooded. In such trying times it’s quite easy to become overwhelmed with the situation.

SERVPRO of Burlington wants to serve you well and in our efforts to do will provide you an insight into several of the terms you’ll hear our crew use once we’ve arrived on the scene.

Category 1/Cat 1 - This is relatively clean water in the sense that the source was from a sink, bathtub faucet, or showerhead where the water has no measurable contaminants.

Category 2/Cat 2 - Water in this category does contain contaminants such as microorganisms which may cause sickness. Many cases result from an overflow of a toilet bowl.

Category 3/Cat 3 - Water is heavily contaminated with harmful bacteria and other toxic agents. This includes sewage, standing water, and water infiltration from rivers and streams into your property.

SERVPRO of Kernersville is available 24/7 to respond to your water loss situations and can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

COVID-19 Molecule and SERVPRO logo

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. Our local SERVPRO has experience in resolving biohazard situations and has also received certifications from the IICRC.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis. Here at our local SERVPRO of Kernersville we’ve partnered with authorities when encountering such situations.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, ad tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

Kitchen/Food Areas
Bathrooms
Schools/Classrooms
Offices
Retail Spaces
Water Fountains
Shelving/Racks
Sales Counters
Carpets and Rugs
Stair Handrails
Elevator Cars
Playground Equipment
Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Kernersville, (336) 748-0250.

Available For Your Emergency Property Situations

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

flooded living room

The SERVPRO of Kernersville encountered an influx of projects from the rainstorm that came through the Piedmont Triad in early February. Flooding, collapse roofs, and a tornado caused significant damage to multiple properties requiring an immediate response in order to rectify. During this tragic situation, the SERVPRO of Kernersville team was ready to adequately respond with the necessary tools. Not all restoration companies are able to immediately respond to disaster situations when they occur, but it’s paramount in your individual circumstance to partner with an organization that possesses those capabilities.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team is available 24/7, 365 days out of the year to assist yours with your interior property damage needs. Responding quickly when your property is damage whether through storm or water which was the case for many residents earlier this year may be crucial to protecting the integrity of your property. Associates are on call 24/7 to get the right production technicians out to your property before the damage to it increases. The SERVPRO of Kernersville crew assisted multiple property owners during the huge rainstorm that impacted the Piedmont Triad back in February and we’re thankful we’re able to assist others during these difficult situations.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Preparing For Potential Flash Flooding

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

wet carpeting on khaki tan floor with yellow wall paper and an open door.

water damage to carpeting in room

Flash flooding is a common occurrence when strong storms come through an area and the Piedmont Triad is no exception especially with its hilly topography. Preparing for flash flooding is critical to protecting yourself and your property from significant water damage that can occur if certain precautions aren’t taken. The first steps in protecting your property are staying tuned into your trusted local news station meteorologists for the latest weather updates. Relying on artificial intelligence weather apps are fine, but typically don’t measure up the human assessment of your local meteorologists.

Secondly, rehearse evacuation scenarios with your love ones whether they’re your family, friends, or in the case of renting out the property, you’re tenants. Discussing and acting out the proper response to flash flooding including ensuring the door is properly shut is a great start. Researching as well if you’re in a flood zone and need flood insurance is another critical factor in protecting your property from significant water damage that can occur to your first floor and basement.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Property Checkup Checklist For Fire Safety

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fire flames

This upcoming Sunday, March 4 the entire country minus Arizona will be springing forward an hour. During this time people will adjust schedules and also their analog clocks that don’t automatically add an hour when daylight savings starts. It’s also a great time to do a checkup around the interior and exterior of your property for fire safety precautions.

The checkup of the interior of your property weather a home or residence should most importantly include the fire alarm. Ensuring that your fire alarm is well maintained and functions correction could protect yourself, family, and employees from dubious harm. Check to ensure that the battery has not died out and that the ringing sound for the alarm is audible to all corners of the property.

Secondly, check all the windows of your property to ensure they’ll able to be opened easily from the inside. Teach your children how to properly open and close a window so that if the worst does occur they’ll be prepared.

Lastly, when you sleep it’s best to close your bedroom door including your children’s room. Doing so may prevent a fire from entering your or their room for a portion of time allowing them to escape outdoors through a window.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Severe Weather Causes Damage Across The Piedmont Triad

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Rain drops

February was a peculiar month for weather in the Piedmont Triad including the Town of Kernersville. February was one the wettest months on record for this area and a rainstorm earlier this month caused significant damage to various properties as well as a tornado that spun out for a few seconds. It still caused damage to multiple properties displaying the utter power of a tornado regardless of its ranking.

Weather forecast can change at a drop a hat, so it’s important to prepare yourself and your property from potential damage when a storm strikes. Simple steps such as clearing your gutters on a regular basis to prevent buildup in once a big storm arrives. Resealing windows to prevent water from seeping through as well as checking to see if your entryways have been eroded in any sort that may allow water to seep through. Lastly, have a professional inspect your roof for any damage. Best to do that before a big storm comes instead of after when that sort of damage to your roof can incur a significant financial investment.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Winter Weather Comes & Go's For Kernersville

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

snow flake focused on while the background is unfocused

Collection of snowflakes

This winter season has been quite calm here in the Piedmont Triad. That was until last week when the area received its first measurable snowfall in over a year. Yes, that’s right, over a year, Kernersville, as well as the rest of the central region of North Carolina, has gone without snow since December 10, 2018. With the impending snowstorm as many people were perceiving it began being forecasted on the local news. It went back and forth between several inches to barely inch if everything predicted, came to the past.

Fortunately, when the snowstorm did arrive in Kernersville, it was not as terrible as it could have been. Public school systems, of course, took upmost precautions to protect the most vulnerable. For the most part, though, the winter storm turned out not to be as disastrous as previous storms that have impacted the area. Regardless, the SERVPRO of Kernersville team is available 24/7 to assist you with any storm damage to your property whether impacted by snow, wind or any other sort of storm damage.

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Unseasonable Weather & Rain Comes Through The Piedmont Triad

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

rainfall on an evening sky background with a streetlight

Rain comes down near a street light

This winter has been quite mild for the Town of Kernersville and the Piedmont Triad as a whole since the season began. Most recently a rainstorm came through that embraced the entire area with inches of rain. The local meteorologists had been preparing residents all week for the coming storm that threatened severe weather across the area. It came and dropped inches of rainfall across the area and caused massive problems for homeowners. The Piedmont Triad has received substantial rainfall since the year began which left the ground fairly saturated. Properties located in flood zones were taken over by inches of rain that at times came into dwellings causing a real headache for property owners.

Fortunately, the SERVPRO of Kernersville that is available 24/7 was able to assist property owners who suffered water damage due to the high proportion of rainfall received in such a tiny amount of time. Equipped with an arsenal of tools to restore properties after they receive significant water damage; the crew was able to appropriately assist property owners during some of the most horrific times they’ve experienced.

Commercial Cleaning For Local Industrial Office Space

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Black cleaning wand taking up water on a brown wooden floor.

Vacuum cleaning wand taking up water

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team recently cleaned up and restored multiple rooms of the Baltek Inc that experienced water damage during the last quarter of the year. Our team’s training and equipment in restoring facilities that experience water damage is reputable from numerous positive reviews on Google as well as Facebook. Once our office received the call of the need for our expertise in the field the team responded in due time to resolve the situation.

Unresolved water damage to your company’s facilities may result in deterioration of work equipment and health concerns for your employees. Resolving these issues in a timely manner is best advised. Damage to the foyer, restrooms, locker rooms and cafeteria required our production workers to utilize a dehumidifier to resolve to begin the process of preparing the room for more in-depth restoration. The technicians also applied a plant-based anti-microbial agent to the floor to prepare it before further inquiry. Portions of the carpet were able to be salvaged by the crew, but, unfortunately, other portions we’re unable to be salvaged. The SERVPRO crew also focused on water extraction for the hard-wood flooring of the rest of the facility to restore it before the water damage occurred.

If you’ve experienced a fire and fire damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

A Fresh Cleaning For The Spring

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

office space with large black lamp over grey and green cloth chairs with a sectional couch and windows all around.

office space with various furniture pieces and window

As the Winter season comes to a close and the new year begins; business owners have a lot of tasks on their list to knock out. One of those bullet points should be a deep cleaning of an office’s carpet and upholstery. Fortunately, your SERVPRO of Kernersville team is well equipped to provide an above-average solution to your carpet cleaning and upholstery needs.

The professional cleaning service the SERVPRO of Kernersville is industry certified in several cleaning methods and is ready to service your flooring regardless of its quality status. The hot water extraction is one of the methods our team utilizes for the commercial carpet cleaning service. This method enables our team to remove overzealous odors that may dampen the overall experience of your office spaces and prevents the re-soiling of the carpet, assisting in it’s continued durability.

If you’ve experienced a fire or water damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Expertly Trained and Industry Certified

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

IICRC Logo

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team features a well-trained staff of professionals ready to access the situation that you are presently experiencing and deliver quality service to provide an above satisfactory result. Whether experiencing a fire, water, or storm damage our SERVPRO team is ready to assist you through. Equipped with training and certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification which is the industry standard for tried-and-true methods.

IICRC, as it is better known by, provides certifications and standards for companies and contractors in the property restoration industry. Including fire, water, and storm damage to cleaning services for carpet as well as upholstery. Choosing a company that is certified by the IICRC and has trained its workers in the respected practices is paramount to ensuring your situation is resolved with the highest priority.

The training and certifications received by the SERVPRO of Kernersville team are not singular occurrences, but a reoccurring set of modules and test to prepare our team to best serve you during one of the more difficult points in your life.

If you’ve experienced a fire and fire damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Keeping Your Air Clean For Your Employees

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

White wall with rectangular air vents on the wall and rectangular lights on the ceiling, and cctv security system below.

air vents on on white wall with security system

The SERVPRO of Kernersville team provides a multitude of services to help restore your property after an unfortunate circumstance whether due to fire, water, or storm damage. Another service our team brings to the community is commercial duct cleaning which may contribute to the overall well-being of your staff. Maintaining your air filtration pathways throughout your commercial property is important to your employee's health and the overall durability of the system to function correctly.

Allowing your air duct system to go without a periodic cleaning may result in the deterioration of your system due to the humidity levels of your space. Water infiltration may do a significant amount of damage to your system and may even cause mold to build up. Mold building up in your system may begin to circulate throughout your entire space. This may cause your employees and regular visitors to your establishment to begin to experience respiratory problems and may even lead to an infection.

Fortunately, your SERVPRO of Kernersville is well-equipped to clean your air duct system and restore it to prior status to keep your staff healthy.

If you’ve experienced a fire or water damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Don’t Neglect Your Carpet This Winter Season

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

three people wearing black polos and khaki cargo pants cleaning carpet with vacuum in house.

SERVPRO employees cleaning carpet with commercial vacuum

Winter is here as the shortest day of the year in terms of daylight has come and gone. With your list of things to do growing ever longer and longer, one thing to not forget is the carpet flooring of your property. Whether it’s your home or business continuing to maintain your carpet especially with the increased traffic the holiday season brings is important to the entire aesthetic of the interior of your property. Going into any business whether it’s a clothing store or recording studio, the carpeting adds to the overall theme of the room. Keeping it a priority in your overall property maintenance is a point not to be left off your to-do list. With that being the case your SERVPRO of Kernersville is well-equipped with industry-grade tools to strengthen the longevity of your carpet.

While it’s great to plan for your carpet to get professionally cleaned once a year; regularly cleaning the carpet of your business is a good avenue for keeping a pleasing aesthetic. Simple things such as vacuuming periodically and if damage occurs, whether it is a stain, or unleveling of the carpet is best to be dealt with swiftly rather than allowing them to fester. Specifically for businesses that receive a great amount of traffic from consumers, or visitors may want to rearrange furniture every few months to allow carpeting to breathe.

If you’ve experienced a fire or water damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

YOU CAN’T CONTROL THE WEATHER

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

snow covering wooden house in the forrest with a blue house next to it.

brown wooden house surrounded by trees

One of the facts of life is that we can’t control the weather. Rain, wind, tornadoes, ice, and snow are weather occurrences that are bound to happen especially in North Carolina where we tend to express all four seasons regardless of the current season we’re in. There are many steps that you can take to prepare your property for the impending elements, but if your property is damaged are you financially prepared to repair the damages.

Unfortunately, for many property owners who choose to forgo insurance are typically overwhelmed by the cost of restoration after the damage occurs. The importance of carrying insurance on your property even if it’s paid for can not be overstated. Older buildings are especially subjectable to damage from winter weather storms including snow and ice. Heavy snow on an older home can cause the roof to collapse causing serious damage to both the exterior and interior of your home. Cost may go well into the thousands which for most people are funds that aren’t readily available. Ice storms can cause trees surrounding your home to fall onto your home if the ice is thick enough.

Searching for the right insurance provider is paramount to protecting your property and your finances. Stay connected to SERVPRO of Kernersville by following us on social media where will be posting blogs on how to screen insurance providers for the best one.

If you’ve experienced a fire and fire damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

We’re Here During The Holidays

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

man with slick hair, facing a double-screen computer, answering a phone in an office.

man using IP phone inside room

While most companies close up shop for the holiday season your SERVPRO of Kernersville team is available 24/7 to assist you with your property restoration needs. It’s critical when damage does happen to your property to reach out for assistance immediately rather than allow it to accrue more harm. A lot can happen in just a few days after damage occurs on your property.

In the case of water damage, waiting to access the situation may result in mold, disfigured doors, and rusting of metal to name a few possibilities. Fortunately, members of the SERVPRO of Kernersville staff are on call even when office hours are closed to aid you in determining the best solution for your circumstances. Our staff are industry certified and have multiple years of experience in the field to provide you with the best information to help you make an educated decision.

If you’ve experienced a fire and fire damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Your Business Needs a Little Love and Care Too

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

man standing on the sidewalk holding a board as cars drive by at an intersection

photo of man standing while holding board near road

Often times when discussing property damage, people often refer to their homes which makes sense since the home is where the heart is”. Nevertheless, if you own a property for business purposes whether it be an office, retail shop, restaurant, etc. It’s important to be concerned with that financial investment as well as being that the weather doesn’t pick and choose which buildings to impact.

With the winter season upon us, many business owners will close for a week, or two to spend time with loved ones and honestly, probably take a break from running a business. Being away from the office though for a substantial amount of time may result in unattended consequences one you and your staff return after the holiday. If Snow and ice storms occur it can render your property inaccessible leading to you being unable to evaluate any damage until local municipalities clear the roads. Water damage may happen from the interior as well as pipes may burst due to freezing temperatures and lack of water flow.

Being aware of these possibilities is the responsibility of any business owner and taking a few simple steps may help reduce the likelihood of the situations happening as stated above.

Plan for the possibility of a weather event cutting off your access to your property. Are there any other routes to gain access to your property and see if there are any of your staff members that live near your property to check on it regularly during the holiday break.
It may be best to leave a faucet slightly turned on in order to keep water flowing through your pipes in order to prevent the possibility of your pipes bursting.

If you’ve experienced a fire and fire damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Tips On Preventing Your Pipes From Bursting

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

collection of gray pipes screwed together and against a solid wall

Grayscale Photography of Metal Pipes

Water is an integral component of everyday life including the running of your home. Even so, damage to one’s property can occur from water whether do to flooding, plumbing issues, burst pipes, and a multitude of other factors. Fortunately, your locally owned and ran SERVPRO of Kernersville team is here to offer you a few tips and advice to avoid one of the most common causes of water damage during the winter season, burst pipes.

With the winter season upon us it is a given that temperatures will fluctuate at, below, and above freezing for the next three months. This may cause the water in your pipes to both flow as usual and freeze at points unable to unfreeze creating pressure that ultimately may cause the pipe to rupture. A good first step in preventing this occurrence is as simple as allowing your faucets in both your kitchen and bathroom to slightly drip at night when it’s the coldest. Allowing for a constant flow of water to prevent build-up. Secondly, is to seal up cracks and leaks to minimize the amount of cold air getting into the pipes. Lastly, it’s best to insulate all pipes to lessen the ability of cold surrounding the pipes, increasing the likelihood of freezing.

Following these tips may help you in preventing your pipes from bursting and rendering your property inadequate for business or to live in.

If you’ve experienced a fire and fire damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Winter Weather Preparedness for the Piedmont Triad Part I

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

red cardinal sitting on branch of tree while it's snowing.

North State Bird, the cardinal sitting on a branch.

The Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina isn’t known for receiving snow and ice regularly throughout the winter season. Though when it does happen it is usually the top story in the morning, noon, and evening news for everyone to know about. There’s also typically an array of memes and gifs mocking how North Carolinians respond to snow before and during its arrival. Nevertheless the importance of being prepared for winter weather in our area whether it’s one huge snowstorm that blankets the entire triad or a few inches of snow that may receive the same response as if it were a blizzard. Keeping these tips in mind for protecting your property from the worst parts of the snowy and icy weather may save you a lot of stress and money in your bank account.

The first thing to do is keep yourself tuned in to your local news station for the most accurate forecast. In the age of the internet, many people have begun to forego the wisdom of their area meteorologists for weather updates from certain apps and sites. While there’s nothing wrong with staying up to date with consistent postings from online mediums the total reliance on them could spell disaster from the most detailed messages typically given by your local meteorologist. Take a few minutes out of your day to watch your local newscast on television or streaming service on their website. Doing so will help you prepare with the closest ton concrete information to protect your property from snow, ice, or sleet damage.

Part II coming soon.

If you’ve experienced a fire and fire damage to your business or home, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached at (336) 748-0250.

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO of Kernersville

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Kernersville we are here for you 24/7 and 365 days a year

At SERVPRO of Kernersville, we are here for you 24/7 and 365 with our fast response time. A fast response time is crucial when you are dealing with a fire or water damage event. Our fast response can limit further damage to your property, and potentially reduce restoration costs.

At SERVPRO of Kernersville we know that you'll need to continue on with your lives as cleanup and restoration is performed. That’s why we coordinate with you to best allow for your normal routines to continue while we safely isolate the cleanup area from you.

SERVPRO of Kernersville also provides a host of other restoration services in addition to water and fire restoration. We’ve become experts in dealing with mold removal, storm damage, and even the isolation and cleanup of biohazards. No job is too big or too small for us at SERVPRO. We scale our response teams and equipment to best suit any given situation.

There's no way to know when disaster will strike, costing you money in damages and disrupted operations. When and if catastrophe finds your home or business, you'll be glad to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the experts at SERVPRO of Kernersville are here for you 24/7 and 365. Just give us a call at 336-379-1772

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO to Restore Your Property After a Fire

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we make it “Like it never even happened”

Fires can be especially devastating. They can quickly destroy your home or business. After a Fire is extinguished, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also from water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. At SERVPRO of Kernersville, our highly skilled technicians are specialized in fire and water damage restoration training. They have the know how and experience to quickly and thoroughly clean up and restore your home to its pre-fire condition. They also can remove the smoke odor and particles from the air and deep-clean soot from your upholstery and carpeting.

At SERVPRO of Kernersville our highly skilled technicians inspect the damage to your property and provide you with a Fire Damage Assessment. They will immediately Board-Up and Roof Tarp if it’s needed. With our state of the art equipment, they’ll remove an water if incurred from firefighting efforts, and dry the water up thoroughly. They will clean, repair and also restore anything that’s able to be salvaged.

Should your home or office experience Fire Damage then SERVPRO of Kernersville is here for you. Give us a call at 336-379-1772 We can be reached 24 / 7 and 365.

Fire Safety Cooking Tips

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.

Cooking often brings family and friends together. For many it also provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. However, did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should “Cook with Caution”. The National Fire Protection Association therefore advises that you do the following:

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

if you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed if you have any doubt about fighting a small fire...

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home. Get out first while you can.

Should your home or office experience Fire Damage then SERVPRO of Kernersville is here for you. Give us a call at 336-379-1772 We can be reached 24 / 7 and 365.

How to Heat Your Home Safely

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

The cold weather months make us want to curl up by the fireplace to stay warm

Something about cold weather during the fall or winter months make us want to curl up by the fireplace. However, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. With a few simple safety tips and precautions from the National Fire Protection Association, you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

In order to be both warm and safe, the National Fire Protection Association recommends that you should do the following:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet (one metre) away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.

• Have a three-foot (one metre) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Never use your oven to heat your home.

• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

•Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month

• Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.

If you’re home or business has experienced fire damage then call us, SERVPRO of Kernersville at 336-379-1772. We are available 24/7 and 365 to assist you with cleaning up, salvaging and restoring your property.

Why Storm Surges Are So Dangerous

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Storm surge send waves crashing into homes

Storm surges have the ability to take out your car, your home and your life.

The center of Hurricane Dorian made landfall at 8:35 a.m. on Friday September 6, 2018 over Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Overnight, the storm hit parts of North Carolina and Virginia with rain, storm surges and strong winds as it brushed up against the coast as a Category 1 Hurricane. So what defines a storm surge and why are they so dangerous?

A Storm Surge is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tide. It’s the change in the water level that is due to the presence of the storm.

A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, somewhere within an area within the next 36 hours. It means that moderate to major tidal flooding is expected. Low-lying roadways will be inundated and become impassible. Homes and businesses are at risk of being flooded or destroyed. Lives are 100% at risk.

While it can be confused as such, a storm surge is not a wall of water that rushes in onto the shore. It is typically a rise of water which often happens quickly, moving at the same rate as the forward speed of a hurricane.

Surges are very powerful!! Only 1 cubic yard of sea water weighs 1,728 pounds. A 6-inch surge can knock a person down. It can and will take out and destroy things in its path due to either force and/ or a combination of force and pressure from flood water.

Storm surges kill more people in a hurricane than any other components of the storm. It is for this reason alone that it is always encouraged to evacuate from areas along the shore, or from smaller islands where there isn’t much inland area to seek what’ll remain as dry land. The overwhelming majority of deaths which are in part of the 10 deadliest U.S. landfalling hurricanes were the result of storm surge alone.

Get away from storm surges. Your life, your families lives, your pets lives depend on it. It isn’t worth the risk to take your chances and stay behind. Especially when evacuation orders are in place. While yes, meteorologists can predict wrong, it’s often only due to how unpredictable these storms can sometimes be. Safety and evacuation measures should be taken and obeyed though as it’s not recommended to gamble with your life. First responders lives are then also placed directly in jeopardy when having to go in to rescue those who choose to “ride out the storm” by not evacuating. A surge 1 foot deep can take a car off a road. Getting out early is key because the surge can begin up to 24 hours before the storm makes landfall.

Storm surges are going to cause flooding to your home whether you are in it or not. Again it is best to evacuate and in a timely manner. Once it is deemed safe to return to your home, it is then that SERVPRO is here to assist. We are here to assist not only with flooding due to storm surge or lots of rainfall, but also with storm damage resulting from high winds. Give SERVPRO of Kernersville a call 24/7 at 336-379-1772 and if we are not nearby, we will be able to connect you with a SERVPRO in your direct area.

Why Hurricane Predictions Aren’t An Exact Science

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can be unpredictable even with advances in today’s modern technology

Thanks to evolving technology, including better satellite data and faster computers, as well as an increasing knowledge of what actually goes on inside of a Hurricane. Computer models that are used to predict hurricanes have gotten much better. Meteorologists have gotten reasonably good at figuring out where a tropical cyclone is headed. What they’re not so good at is figuring out how strong it's going to be when it gets there.

Hurricane prediction involves a number of different computer generated models. Each model is a little bit different, and has different strengths. "It's not a straight mass equation, where you say solve for x and that's the answer," explains John Cangialosi, a hurricane specialist at NOAA's National Hurricane Center. "There are a lot of assumptions being made. There is no exact answer."

For example, it was only recently that we learned that the wall around the hurricane's eye can deteriorate, and a new one will form around it. This can affect the intensity of the hurricane, but not always in the same way. Sometimes it makes the hurricane stronger, sometimes weaker. "Those are the things we can't quite model. We can't take into account all the dynamics of the eye wall," Mock says.

That's why hurricane forecasting still relies not just on a computer crunching numbers, but on human intervention--an actual forecaster who looks at the details of the storm and determines whether the model seems to be painting an accurate picture that makes sense based on the conditions. And that's why sometimes, a storm predicted to be a doozy barely seems like a blip in the radar, or vice versa.

We have begun to learn a little bit more about hurricane dynamics by flying planes into the eye of the storm. Sending aircraft straight to the source to drop weather balloons and sensors to collect data on aspects like wind direction, pressure, water vapor can help meteorologists learn more about how storms work. It is however still no exact science which continues to leave many hurricanes and their paths unpredictable.

If you are in a hurricanes predicted path though, while it may change it is best to take all precautions and to evacuate if ordered to do so. There’s always a chance the storm may still come your way and safety for yourself, your family and your pets should be top concern. Staying behind or not heading warnings, or being prepared, can cost you and your family.

If your home or business is damaged during a severe storm like a hurricane, then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and365.

Source: Popular Science

Hazards Associated With Wet or High Moisture Basements

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Dehumidifiers are a good way to keep moisture from building up in your basement

There can be a lot of hazards associated with wet or high moisture basements. Some hazards are increased respiratory problems, harmful mold, long-term damage to the structure and equipment, personal property damage and a possible decrease in your house value. It’s also a great inconvenience, and hard work, and potentially a financial burden to fix the problems. The number one inconvenience is the cost, which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in damage if water or moisture takes over.

It’s a good idea to protect your personal items that are in your basement the best you can. By simply putting personal belongings up onto shelves, you can possibly keep your belongings out of water’s reach in case of flooding. Furniture with legs, or furniture lifted on blocks, helps to keep the water out of the material. Make sure to lift up and pin any fabric that may hang down towards the floor.

A lot of basements trap moisture. If your basement has high moisture, run a dehumidifier, especially in the summer when outside moisture is high. That will help to eliminate some moisture that can otherwise lead to mold.

If you experience any flooding or water damage or mold in your basement then call us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We can be reached 24/7 and 365 at 336-379-1772

Important Safety Tips During A Flood

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

two story white house with water three feet up

Flood waters can be dangerous and so you should proceed with caution

Flooding can happen due to many different reasons. To name a few, floods can happen from a broken pipe, a water heater, an overflowing toilet, or a storm. It is good to know what not to do should you be faced with flood waters.

Do not ever stand in water and reach for any electrical items. It is possible to get electrocuted when standing in water and coming into contact with or touching electrical items. If possible, wear rubber boots when standing in flood water, and if you have to touch any electrical parts or equipment then use a wood or plastic item. Even better to do, call an electrician. Safety should always be the number one priority and concern in your mind when dealing with water and electricity.

Mold works quickly! It can grow and set within just 48 hours with standing water.

Depending on the cause of the flooding, there may also be sewage contamination that also has to be considered. It is advisable to not walk into any flood waters due to contaminants such as sewage. If a storm has caused the flooding, there may also be broken wood, broken glass or other dangerous sharp objects in the water.

The faster you can remove the water if it’s in your home, and get the structure dry, then the less severe your loss will be.

If the job is too big for you, or if hazards are involved, then call a reputable restoration company like us at SERVPRO to help. We will get your home dry and explain what must be done to protect you from further problems such as mold. At SERVPRO of Kernersville we are here for you 24/7 and 365. We can be reached at 336-379-1772.

Some Causes Of Commercial Water Damage

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded hallway with debris in commercial building

At SERVPRO we are here for when your commercial building experiences water damage

Usually whenever anyone visualizes water damage, they think of a massive storm taking out power lines, flooding structures, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. While it is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods due to water that stems from weather events and storms, many forget that storms aren’t the only causes of flooding and water damage.

Here are some of the additional and common causes of water damage to commercial buildings.

Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

Many older office, retail and warehouse buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems which work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While those types of sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory, business assets, flooring and the building structure.

Broken pipes and plumbing

Just like in a your home, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result.

Backed up sewer lines

Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings.

Damaged appliances and equipment

This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and walk into a severe water emergency.

If your business has suffered commercial water damage then we are here for you. Just call us, SERVPRO of Kernersville at 336-379-1772. We are available 24/7 and 365 to assist.

Important Smoke and Soot Facts

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke travels throughout the air, into vents, and holes spreading room to room

A fire increases in size every 60 seconds. Fires happen quickly and spread quickly. The aftermath of a fire can be very invasive. While flames may be extinguished before reaching throughout your entire property, they come along with smoke and soot which can penetrate various cavities within your home. Smoke and can reach far beyond the flames, travel through plumbing systems, holes and vents, causing hidden damage and odor throughout your property.

There are many different types of smoke. Therefore, there are also different types of soot residue. Therefore, the type of fire greatly affects the restoration process.

Wet Smoke - Plastics and rubbers

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary with smoke webs that can be difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises and so does the smoke

Protein Fire Residue

• Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odor, and is usually a result of cooking

Since each fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution to restore your property. At SERVPRO of Burlington our fire damage restoration expertise and experience allows us to accurately assess the extent of the damage. Our highly skilled technicians along with our state of the art equipment helps to get your property back to pre existing conditions.

At SERVPRO of Kernersville we are here to make it “Like it never even happened." Just give us a call at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and 365.

Fires Can Consume Your Business

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

A fire burns through roof of commercial building

Recovery to your building is possible with SERVPRO of Kernersville

It doesn't take much time for a fire to weaken or destroy the already relatively fragile structure of your business. With columns and supports being typically more spread out in a commercial setting, your buildings structure can be severely compromised if ravished by a fire. Fires create huge amounts of soot and ash, especially if it starts in an area where fabrics can be easily caught in the blaze. Ash will fly all over and land wherever. It will get into every nook and cranny of your business. It can clog water fixtures and drains. Often along with damage from ash is water from sprinkler systems. This water can mix with the ash and form a thick sludge. This sludge is hard to remove and causes heavy staining. Once it dries it may also create a hardened layer of caked-on ash. Where there’s fire there’s smoke. Smoke is a big problem in most fires. Microscopic smoke particles can become embedded in materials of all kinds, but especially wood, fabric, and other organic materials commonly existing in most businesses.

Depending on the size of the fire and the amount of damage, most businesses can reopen again for operation just days after a fire has happened. With smoke odor removal, fire damage restoration, and cleaning in general by SERVPRO of Kernersville your business can be up and running again almost in no time. Depending on the type of business there may be more challenges to restoring the property. The size, intensity, and cause of the fire will determine too how we go about restoring your business. Depending on the severity of the fire, it is often possible for crews to start work nearly immediately after the fire department clears the scene allowing us to have things back up and running quickly.

Recovery is possible, and at SERVPRO Kernersville we can make it “Like it never happened."! Just give SERVPRO of Kernersville a call at 336-379-1772. We are available and on call 24/7 and 365 days a year.

A Night With The Greensboro Grasshoppers

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Our franchise owner, Britt Holcomb, threw out the games first pitch

SERVPRO of Kernersville had such a nice time hosting several local insurance agents along with their families at a recent Greensboro Grasshoppers game! The Grasshoppers played Delmarva, and while Greensboro lost 4-1, everyone definitely enjoyed themselves. We had food, everything from hot dogs, to hamburgers to chicken and more! Our guests were able to enjoy many different beverages including a nice cold beer or cocktail. Even Guilford the Grasshoppers Mascot came to join in all the fun and visited our group to take pictures and see the kids.

At SERVPRO of Kernersville we consider ourselves so fortunate to have such a great group of local agents that we work with. When we gather for games, it’s an opportunity for us to get to know some of our agents on a more personal level. We get to meet one another’s families, get to watch a great game, eat some ballpark food, and toast with a cold one while cheering on our local team.

It is truly our pleasure to do this annually as it’s in celebration of them, and an opportunity to show our appreciation. We are thankful that they allow us to assist their clients. Kathy Coble, one of our valued office team members, helps to puts together this event. We are grateful to her for working hard to ensure everyone has a nice time and look forward to many more fun events in the future! Thank you to everyone who came.

If you or someone you know, experiences Water Damage, Fire Damage or Mold, than give us at SERVPRO of Kernersville a call. We can be reached 24/7 and 365 at 336-379-1772.

Some Facts About Flooding

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

A local road, flooded on 7/7/19 due to flash floods caused by scattered thunderstorms.

When it comes to flooding, there’s really no off-season. Floods can strike at any time, almost anywhere, and only increase in threat with the onset of hurricane season. This may explain why every state in the continental U.S. has experienced some form of flooding over the past 10 years, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Being that we are currently within Hurricane Season, it is especially good to be on high alert and tuned into weather reports often. Especially if a Hurricane is offshore and expected to make landfall, an increase in flooding even for cities and states not close to the shore, is possible. Heavy rainfall and strong winds can cause flooding all on their own and can also cause lakes, rivers and canals to overflow.

There’s no question that the resulting damage to most floods is devastating. However, you may be surprised by just how common floods are – year in and year out. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flooding is the No. 1 natural disaster in the United States.

With flooding being the No. 1 natural disaster in America, it’s important that you treat it as such. This means it occurs more frequently than the other natural disasters and leads to the most damage. Rainfall accompanies just about every storm, most notably thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes. Given the earth is primarily made of water, there’s only so much that existing rivers, lakes and streams can absorb before they will overflow. In the last 10 years, every state has experienced flooding in some form, whether overland or flash flooding. This helps explain why flood losses have averaged approximately $2.4 billion each year over that period.

At SERVPRO of Kernersville, we are here for you during flood recovery. We offer 24/7 emergency response services. There is no disaster too big or too small. Give us a call at 336-379-1772

Why Choose SERVPRO of Kernersville

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Kernersville we are here for you 24/7 and 365

Here at SERVPRO of Kernersville, we are here to help make it “Like it never even happened." If a natural disaster should strike, if you experience water damage to your home or office, any fire damage to your home or office, or any mold, then we are here for you. With over 1,700 independently owned and operated Franchises nationwide, you can trust us at SERVPRO of Kernersville. We are not only here for you, but here 24/7 and only just a phone call away!

We are “Faster to any disaster” no matter the size, and that is not just something we say. Instead it’s a commitment to you, that we be there when you need us the most. Whether you are a business or homeowner facing fire or water damage, or a property manager dealing with a widespread disaster, at SERVPRO of Kernersville we have the team in place along with the state-of-the-art equipment needed to respond quickly and efficiently.

With over 20 years in the restoration industry, our franchise is always poised and ready to go when and where we are needed. The sooner we get to you, the sooner restoration begins and the sooner you can resume business as usual.

By providing services to mitigate fire, water and storm damage, and mold, we help reestablish homes, businesses and restore communities. No matter the size, if a fire, water or mold damage occurs to your home or office, then call SERVPRO of Kernersville at 336-379-1772. We are here for you 24/7 and 365.

What To Do and What Not To Do After a Fire

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire, call us SERVPRO of Kernersville at 336-379-1772

Fires can happen in an instant and often without warning. With the ability to spread and double in size every 60 seconds, fires often ravish a property before being extinguished. After fire has taken over your home, the fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of your property and your belongings can be overwhelming. Once the fire has been extinguished and the fire department has given you the clear, it’s hard to know what to do next.

Keep these Dos and Don'ts in mind if fire affects your home.

DO:

Limit movement in the home. This helps prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets throughout your home.
Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
Place towels on carpet traffic areas. Use dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas to limit damage.
Empty freezer and refrigerator. If electricity is off, empty your freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
Wipe soot from chrome. Clean soot from chrome kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then apply a light coating of petroleum jelly to protect surfaces.
Wash houseplants. Wipe down both sides of leaves on your houseplants.
Change HVAC filters. Change your filters but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.
Cover HVAC intakes. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of your HVAC system.
Contact SERVPRO of Kernersville 336-379-1772

DON'T:

Wash any walls or painted surfaces. This can be dangerous to your health and is best left to the professionals like us at SERVPRO of Burlington
Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture. This too can be dangerous to your health and is best left to professionals
Clean any electrical appliances. TV sets, computers and other electronics that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water need to be looked at by an authorized repair service.
Consume food and beverages. Food and beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water, may be contaminated.
Turn on ceiling fixtures. If the ceiling is wet, wiring may be wet or damaged and can cause electrical shock.
Dry clean clothing. Improper cleaning may set smoke odors. Make sure you use a service that knows how to remove soot and smoke from clothing.

Fires are stressful, and you shouldn't have to clean up the mess yourself. At SERVPRO of Kernersville, we are here to help you restore your home. Just call us 24/7 and 365 at 336-379-1772. At SERVPRO we make it “Like it never even happened.”

*Tips provided by SERVPRO® Industries, Inc.

Flood Events In Kernersville

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events Kernersville commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Kernersville

SERVPRO of Kernersville specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Kernersville Gives Back

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville is helping to combat hunger in our community by collecting canned goods and non-perishables through August 31st.

By partnering with the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, we can help fight hunger right here where we live.

Second Harvest Food Bank says:

"When people do not have access to enough food to power them through their days, the costs are borne by us all. Hungry children cannot learn. Hungry adults cannot be productive. Hungry communities cannot grow and flourish.

Together, we can feed hope and feed our community. Across Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC’s 18-county service area, 1 in 6 people struggles with food insecurity. More than 1 in every 4 children lives at risk of hunger and many seniors are facing choices no one should have to make, including whether to buy food or critical medicines.

With our network of more than 400 partner food assistance programs and supporters like you, Second Harvest Food Bank provides food to help meet urgent nutritional needs and works to put an end to hunger through education, outreach and advocacy. Together, we are a lifeline for more than 300,000 neighbors in need, one third of which are children. "

Stop by our office 8am-5pm Monday-Friday with your non-perishables and help us help those in need!

Come see us at:

2902 Manufacturers Road

Greensboro NC 27406

Our Specialized Resources

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Kernersville or Forsythe County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite disaster teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 336-748-0250

Moldy Mythes

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Kernersville we have mold remediation services. Most of the time it’s in an un-used part of the home like a basement or attic.

Some customers try to handle the project themselves and find that the mold comes back a few weeks later. Here are some myths & facts about mold and the dangers. If you think you have mold, you should contact SERVPRO of Kernersville to discuss the plans of actions.

MYTH NO. 1 BLEACH KILLS MOLD?

Liquid bleach is a solution of chlorine in water, usually 6 percent sodium hypochlorite, thus 94 percent water. Smearing bleach on mold may appear to kill it, but the effect is superficial and very temporary. Once the chlorine is gone - and it evaporates rapidly - what's left is all that water, feeding the mold.

There are many chemicals that kill mold. They're called biocides.

MYTH No. 2 'Toxic' Mold is the only dangerous type of mold.

"Toxic" mold or "black" mold is often touted by the hucksters in the mold industry as being the one that makes people sick, the one you must eliminate. This is pure scare tactic.

Yes, there are some strains of mold that seem to be more toxic than others. But there is no such thing as good mold, or even tolerable mold, unless you like stinky cheese. Mold in your home is a problem, because it signifies a moisture problem. Moisture inside your home enables mold growth, and it can also lead to rot, threatening the structure itself.

On top of that, any mold problem that's allowed to continue often will pave the way for the dreaded "black mold." The most infamous "black mold," stachybotrys chartarum, is what's known as a tertiary mold. It's very slow to develop and usually follows earlier mold growths, actually feeding off the previous mold colony.

MYTH No. 3, Homeowners can properly remediate mold themselves?

Homeowners are not trained or knowledgeable about mold enough to properly remediate the damages, most times homeowners cause more damage when they don’t hire a professional. Most of the errors are in the contamination process. Not using vapor barriers or the proper equipment to clean the air during removal stages. When it’s not properly sectioned off, they can cross contaminate mold threw other area of the home that previously did not have mold spores.

Fact No. 1 : Mold is everywhere and mold problems exist indoors in every climate.

Mold is, literally, everywhere on the planet, in every climate. A house in the Mojave Desert can have a mold problem as easily as one in Florida or New Orleans.

Mold needs three things to thrive: moisture, food, and the right temperature. Moisture can collect in walls, attics and crawl spaces in the driest of climates with a little help, such as a roof or siding leak, plumbing flaw, and pressure differentials created by air conditioning, or even a poorly vented bathroom.

Food for mold is pretty much everything we build with and everything we own. Mold loves household dust... even in the kitchen sink. And the warmth mold needs is the same temperature range humans prefer.

Bottom line: Every home has mold but not every home has a mold problem. If you think you might have a mold problem, don't ignore it. Get help.

Fact No. 2 Home inspectors don't know mold.

Home inspectors - the ones who check out a house prior to sale - are generally ignorant about mold. Many inspectors will see mold and ignore it because there's no rot or obvious moisture. Others may not see it at all.

If you think you have mold in your property, call a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of Kernersville– (336-748-0250)

Tips For Avoiding Spring Mold

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville has seen a lot of mold begin to form this time of the year. Here are some things that we have learned.

The last thing most people want to find in their home is mold. Many people find mold in their home and have to go through mold remediation, however there are some things you can do to help prevent mold from growing in your home.

Mold Prevention Tips

Keep humidity levels low.
Make sure your home has good ventilation.
Make sure you don't have any leaks in your home.
If you experience water damage, dry out your home as soon as possible.
Clean bathroom areas with mold killing products.

What to Do if You Find Mold in Your Home

Do not touch the mold.
Stay out of the room where you found the mold.
Turn off your HVAC unit.
Get your house tested to make sure you actually have mold.
If you do have mold, call SERVPRO of Kernersville to complete your mold remediation!

Mold can spread quickly throughout your home in as little as 48 hours. If you suspect that your business or home has a mold problem, call us at 336-748-0250 to inspect your home and complete mold remediation! We are highly trained mold remediation specialists and use advanced mold remediation techniques and equipment to get your home mold free as soon as possible.

Federal Funds Approved For Storm Victims

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

The President has officially approved Governor Roy Cooper's request for a federal disaster declaration to help tornado victims in Guilford and Rockingham counties.

The decision came on Tuesday, April 15. All storm victims will be able to apply for low-interest federal loans or grants to help them repair their homes and businesses.
Families and business owners can now apply for financial help to repair and rebuild.
The governor declared a state of emergency for Guilford and Rockingham counties on April 20 and sent the federal disaster declaration request to the president on April 25.

He reached out to local officials today to share the good news that the request for federal help has been granted.

Storm survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA online or via phone as soon as possible, in one of the following ways:

Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

Download the FEMA Mobile App and register online

Phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585

The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week

Multilingual operators are available

CONTACT SERVPRO of Kernersville for all your storm repair needs.

SERVPRO Makes HGTV Appearance

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Kernersville family was fortunate enough to be part of the filming of an episode of HGTVs Love it or List it. Our SERVPRO debut on the TV screen aired this past Monday, September 21st to kick off the fall season. It was an exciting opportunity for our team to be part of this popular TV show and help out the homeowners.

On this episode of Love it or List it, we met a local couple who was having a hard time deciding whether to renovate their home to be more suited for their family of four or to list it and buy something different. So they decide to do both: renovate their house to deal with some of the pesky inconveniences and look at other houses that might meet their needs. At the end of the show they make the ultimate decision to either stick with their newly renovated home (Love it) or put it on the market and buy one of the homes they have seen (List it).

As is common with home renovations, our couple found that the water damage they thought they had taken care of in their basement on their own was returning to haunt them. SERVPRO of Kernersville to the rescue!

Basements can be a conundrum of dampness and moisture. Did you know that even if a surface feels dry to the touch, it may still be retaining water and thus transforming into mold later on? We have the equipment needed to makes sure water-damaged surfaces are truly dry and treated to eliminate the risk of mold spore growth.

Just like we would in your home, we made sure our TV couples leaky basement was dry, sealed and like the water damage as if it never even happened. After our team, and some other talented contractors and designers were done with this couples home, they decided they loved it too much to let it go.We are sure that their newly dry and transformed basement must have played a part in making this difficult decision.

Even if you are the star of an HGTV show, we can be your go-to for dealing with those idiosyncrasies of home or business ownership and our ever-changing North Carolina weather. Whether it is water, smoke, wind, fire or mold damage we are your clean up and drying specialists. Do you want the air filtering through your ducts to be as crisp and clear as these fall days? We can clean your ducts and make that a reality in the air circulating through your system. And we are ready and equipped for anything Mother Nature may throw at us this fall and winter. So make us your go to for your home or business needs and we will make sure that you love the results when we are done!

Friendly Cleaning Tips

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville wants to remind you of some helpful tips to help insure a safe and happy 2018.

All smoke detectors have a manufacturing date on them. If that date over 10 years old, replace it! Also if your home has gas or oil heat it is a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide detector.
Keep a prepacked bag handy with some cash, changes of clothes, medications, copies of important documents, etc.
Have your family practice fire drills to make sure everyone knows how to escape, what to do and where to meet should a fire occur.
Vacation soon? If you are travelling and will be away for several days, please be sure to turn off the water so you do not come home to any surprises.
If you are using rubber hoses for the water supply to your washing machine, they need to be replaced every 5 years. Consider using steel braided hoses as they are much more durable than rubber ones.
Periodically check the water supply lines on ice makers and dish washers for signs of wear and replace when needed.
Keep a properly rated fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Does everyone know where it is located and how to use.
Make sure you know where the critical shutoffs are in your home for main power, water and gas if applicable.

Hope that helps!! Contact SERVPRO of Kernersville for any emergency needs.

Soot, Smoke, Fire, and Clean-Up Restoration

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Kernersville will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today

SERVPRO OF Kernersville HOSTS AT GRASSHOPPERS GAME

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville had a great time hosting several local insurance agents and their families at the Greensboro Grasshoppers game! The weather, attendance, and food was perfect. Unfortunately, the Grasshoppers came up short.

We at SERVPRO of Kernersville are so fortunate to have such a great group of local agents that we work with. This game was a great opportunity for us to get to know some of our agents on a more personal level, get to meet each others families, and get to watch a great game, eat some fantastic ballpark food, have a cold beverage, and cheer our local team onto victory!

Thank you again to everyone who made the 2018 SERVPRO of Kernersville baseball night a success. We look forward to anther great year.

Please welcome our newest Sales & Marketing Representative!

7/12/2016 (Permalink)

Thomas Comer

We are pleased to announce the addition of Thomas Comer to our team as our new Sales & Marketing Representative for the Western part of the Triad. Thomas is originally from Elkin, North Carolina, but has called the Triad home for 37 years. He has 35 years of sales & marketing experience, including 3 years in the Disaster Restoration industry.

Thomas loves to meet new people and build relationships. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his family, go golfing, and walk his dogs.

Restoring your Kernersville Commercial Property after a Water Damage

6/27/2016 (Permalink)

Crew vehicles

Flooding and water damage events at Kernersville/SE Forsyth County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

About SERVPRO of Kernersville/SE Winston Salem

SERVPRO of Kernersville/SE Winston Salem specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet our crew

SERVPRO night at the Grasshoppers game!

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employees at the ballpark

SERVPRO of Greensboro North, Burlington, and Kernersville had a great time hosting several local insurance agents and their families at the Greensboro Grasshoppers game! With storms all around, we lucked out and the game went on without a hitch! The game went into the 11th inning, with the Grasshoppers beating the Hickory Crawdads, 8 runs to 5 runs.

We at SERVPRO of Greensboro North, Burlington and Kernersville are so fortunate to have such a great group of local agents that we work with. This game was a great opportunity for us to get to know some of our agents on a more personal level, get to meet each others families, and get to watch a great game, eat some fantastic ballpark food, have a cold beverage, and cheer our local team onto victory! We even had a visit from the mascot!

We look forward to many more fun events in the future!!

SERVPRO and the PTAA help fight hunger together!

6/14/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employees give back!

SERV

SERVPRO is helping to combat hunger in our community by collecting canned goods and non-perishables through August 31st.

By partnering with the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, we can help fight hunger right here where we live.

Second Harvest Food Bank says:

Stop by our office 8am-5pm Monday-Friday with your non-perisables and help us help those in need!

Come see us at:

2902 Manufacturers Road

Greensboro NC 27406PRO is helping to combat hunger in our community by collecting canned goods and non-perishables through August 31st. Stop by our office 8am-5pm Monday-Friday with your non-perisables and help us help those in need!

Come see us at:

2902 Manufacturers Road

Greensboro NC 27406

When Storms or Floods Hit Kernersville and SE Forsyth County, SERVPRO is Ready!

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready 24/7 to handle any emergency that comes your way!

SERVPRO of Kernersville specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Kernersville or SE Forsyth County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at (336) 748-0250.

SERVPRO employees volunteer time at local shelter

4/29/2016 (Permalink)

Korey and Herbert give back

Here at SERVPRO we love to give back to our community, and such was the case recently when our technicians Korey and Herbert volunteered their time cleaning a local domestic violence shelter. The brand new kitchen, donated by a local contractor, and the deep cleaning that our guys did definitely put a smile on the residents faces.

If you or someone you know needs to find a domestic violence shelter, there are over 105 domestic violence organizations in North Carolina that provide services at some level. domesticshelters.org is a great resource in locating one if you are in need.

We hope that in giving our time to help clean this newly renovated space, we can help give those affected a safe space where they can be out of the former situations that they were in and move on towards a brighter future.

April Showers bring May Flowers - Are you SERVPRO Ready?

4/17/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kernersville (336) 748-0250

“April showers bring the May flowers.”
Are you SERVPRO ready?

While spring is a beautiful time of year, April showers can create flood conditions faster than you may realize. Knowing the difference between a flood warning and flood watch is important. A “Flash Flood Watch,” means there is possible flooding in the Kernersville and Winston Salem area. A “Flash Flood Warning,” means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the Kernersville area.

Preparing Your Family for a Flood

Your family will be better prepared to withstand a flood if you have the following items available, packed and ready to go in case you need to evacuate your home.

3 day supply of water, 1 gallon per person per day – 3 day supply of non-perishable food items – Flashlights, extra batteries and multi-purpose tools – A first aid kit and a extra medications – Sanitation and person hygiene items – Extra pet supplies, food, ID and vet records – Extra clothing, blankets, sturdy shoes and rain gear – Sunscreen and bug repellant - Emergency contact information and copies of important person documents – A camera to take photos of flood damage – Extra charges for electronic devices.

Forsyth County/Kernersville Red Cross Emergency Number - (336) 679-7225

Kernersville Red Cross Location - 690 Coliseum Dr NW Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration – What to do after a Flood or Water Damage

Floods and water damage often occur with little warning and can be devastating to homes, business and entire communities. Taking immediate action after a disaster is vital. Communicating with your insurance company and calling upon the emergency response restoration experts at SERVPRO will help you move forward faster. Taking pictures, collecting items, extracting water and starting the ‘dry-out’ process can be helpful, but safety must come first. If your home or business is not sturdy, do not go in. Leave that to us!

Regardless of the storm, flood or water damage, SERVPRO of Greensboro North is here to help! Our team of highly trained water damage specialists is faster in any disaster. And with a national network of over 1,650 SERVPRO Franchises across the country, we have the resources to handle any storm or disaster.

Did you know?

50% of businesses may never reopen after suffering a disaster. Your friends at SERVPRO are the only restoration team to offer everything you need to best prepare your business for disaster at the palm of your hand. We do this with our FREE the Emergency Ready Profile app, also known as an ERP. The ERP app stores your business’s emergency contacts and your business’s venders (HVAC service, plumbers, emergency restoration company, etc.).

Click here to learn more - https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp

What to Do After a Flood or Water Damage

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.

Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.

Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.

Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.

Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.

Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.

Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to Do After a Flood or Water Damage

Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.

Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.

Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.

Don't use television or other household appliances.

Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (336) 748-0250

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